The reaction of the Casric Stars players surprised many after they drew against the Kaizer Chiefs in the final round of the Nedbank Cup.
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Many thought it was because the Chiefs were playing against lower division teams in the Nedbank Cup, and Casric Stars players were counting on their chances as well.
But their coach, Bux Mtombeni, has cleared up the uproar that followed in his camp after the draw a few weeks ago.
“Honestly, I’m a big fan of the Kaizer Chiefs and that’s why the guys have been waiting for this to happen,” said Mtombeni, who ironically goes by the name of the Bucks.
The Bucks is the nickname of the Orlando Pirates, who are the Chiefs’ main rivals in local football.
“Now, after the draw, everyone was asking me, ‘What color will you wear (on match day)?’
“I said, ‘No, I’m the coach of the Casric Stars…’ They wanted to see my reaction. But I told them that I chose to be here.
“I work for Casric Stars and that’s why you saw the guys making this noise. They wanted to see my reaction when I was put up against my team,” Mtombeni said.
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His love for amahoshi is so great that he traditionally followed them before taking up coaching.
“Let me just make this clear. I’m a strong supporter of the Kaizer Chiefs. Back in the days when Arthur Zwanes and Jabu Pules were still playing, I always traveled from Mpumalanga to see them.
“That was the main thing that caused such a reaction from the players to the draw.
“I don’t want people to think they’re celebrating because they see the Chiefs as an easy opponent.
“I know the Chiefs are a big team. They just wanted to see what my reaction would be when I had to play against my team.”
No special plan for bosses
The Casric Stars will visit the Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon to join the growing roster of lower division teams that have taken down the Soweto giants.
The Chiefs were knocked out by Richards Bay, the University of Pretoria and Baroque when they were in the minor leagues.
But Mtombeni says they don’t think about the game and they prepare like they would for any game to avoid unnecessary pressure.
“I really don’t have much to say… We prepared as we prepare for every game.
“We don’t see the difference because it’s always 11 on 11 on the field. I know the Chiefs have a much better history than we have.
“I think this is a good opportunity for us. It’s a test for us to play against the big boys.
“This is the right platform for us and will give our players the opportunity to showcase their talent,” Mtombeni said.