Amakhosi beat third-tier opposition Casric Stars FC

By: Zanele Mfaba

Twitter: mfaba_zanele

Email: Zanelemfaba1408@gmail.com

 

Kaizer Chiefs sure did book their spot in this season’s Nedbank Cup quarter-finals against Casric Stars on Sunday evening 12 March 2023 at the FNB stadium.

Image from Google

 In the round of 16 this is when Chiefs remember that they have to prevent 2022-23 becoming their eighth campaign without silverware. The first half gave both teams a headache, but Chiefs got awarded a penalty in the first ten minutes after the ball came off the arm of Mumuni Abubakar, from Casric Stars.

 The penalty worked in favor for Chiefs as they were leading the game with a score of 1-0 to halftime with a goal by striker Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana. This put pressure on the Casric Stars considering that they are from the first division.

Kaizer Chiefs fans confidently rejoicing and cheering during the match:

“It's always difficult to play against teams from the first division because they play with energy more than structure,” said Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane.

 Coming back from halftime Casric Stars came back stronger as they equalized in the 62 minutes making the score sit on 1-1, with the goal coming from Kgomotso Mosadi Casric Stars striker.

 There were a lot of substitutions from both teams but it was because it was not an easy game and Casric Stars coach Joseph ‘Bucs’ Mthombeni said, “I came here as a Casric coach, but I have learned a lot because Kaizer Chiefs has disciplined players from defense, even when they move the ball around, they move it quicker and into spaces.”

Screenshot from Twitter

Yes, it would have been great to see a legendary team like Kaizer Chiefs go into halftime with the score of 2-0 but as Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot at goal was brilliantly blocked for a corner-kick by Ludwe Mpakumpaku Casric Stars goalkeeper that did not happen. This further shows the strong competition they had.

 To the rescue came Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez with the second goal in 64 minutes of the game having Casric Stars feeling the heat and trying to pull through but Chiefs was not having it. 

Chiefs continued the strong defense and managed to make it to the last eight rather the semi-finals against Royal AM. This left Chiefs fans celebrating their wins and already looking forward to the next big game. “Good luck to the Glamour Boys,” said a Kaizer Chiefs top fan Srhawu Sakamahlangu Sonnyboy.

 A score of 2-1 proves the game was not a walk in the park for Kaizer Chiefs because their opponent was a hungry and determined team that’s up and coming like Casric Stars.

This is what coach Arthur Zwane had to say about the match:

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