The Fall of the Titans: A Season of Shocks
To understand the magnitude of what Casric Stars and Milford FC have achieved, one must look at the wreckage they left behind. The 2025/2026 season will be remembered as the year the giants fell early and often.
Kaizer Chiefs: The defending champions were the first to go, falling 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC in the Round of 32.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Despite their dominance in the Betway Premiership, the Brazilians were blanked 2-0 by TS Galaxy in the Round of 16.
This "Graveyard of Giants" scenario opened a door that Casric Stars and Milford FC didn't just walk through—they kicked it down.
Hailing from Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, Casric Stars have become the definitive giant-killers of 2026.
The turning point for Stars came on February 21, 2026. Facing an Orlando Pirates side in sparkling league form, Casric Stars produced a defensive masterclass. Led by goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni—who made a string of "jaw-dropping" saves—they held the Soweto giants to a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes. When it came to the penalty shootout, Stars held their nerve to win 5-4, effectively ending the Pirates' cup dreams.
Skeptics believed the win over Pirates was a fluke, but Casric Stars proved them wrong in the quarter-finals against AmaZulu FC on March 7. Playing at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, they took an early lead through Mfundo Thikazi.
While Casric Stars were busy toppling the Soweto giants, Milford FC was quietly conducting their own demolition job on top-flight opposition.
Milford’s path to the semi-finals has been a test of nerves. Their quarter-final clash against Sekhukhune United was a classic Nedbank Cup rollercoaster. After taking an early lead through Cheswyn Philander, they found themselves trailing in extra time. However, a 115th-minute equalizer from Sibulele Mekuto forced a shootout.
In a moment of pure drama, it was Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza who stepped up to score the winning penalty, securing a 3-2 shootout victory and sending "Babina Noko" crashing out of the competition.
One of the most unique aspects of this year’s "last four" is the leadership structure of the two underdogs. Both Casric Stars and Milford FC are led by "Chairman-Coaches"—owners who double as the tactical minds on the bench.
- Joseph Mthombeni (Casric Stars): A successful businessman who stepped into the coaching role to maintain the club's specific identity.
- Dr. Xanti Pupuma (Milford FC): A medical doctor by profession, Pupuma’s passion for the game has seen him lead Milford to the top of the NFD standings while simultaneously navigating a deep cup run.
This unconventional approach has clearly paid dividends, fostering a sense of loyalty and unity that established PSL clubs often struggle to replicate.
Looking Ahead: The Semi-Final Draw
The semi-final draw, conducted on March 9, has kept the dream of an all-Championship final alive.
| Semi-Final Matchup | Venue | Date |
| TS Galaxy vs. Milford FC | Solomon Mahlangu Stadium | April 4, 2026 |
| Durban City vs. Casric Stars | King Zwelithini Stadium | April 5, 2026 |
Milford FC faces the daunting task of visiting the 2019 winners, TS Galaxy.
The success of Casric Stars and Milford FC highlights the narrowing gap between the Betway Premiership and the lower divisions. With R7 million in prize money and a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup on the line, these "minnows" are no longer just participating—they are competing to dominate.
Whether we see a "Rixile" (sunrise) for a new champion or a return to glory for TS Galaxy, the 2026 Nedbank Cup has already succeeded in its primary mission: proving that in South African football, anyone can be a hero.
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