The 2026 Nedbank Cup has taken an extraordinary turn. After a thrilling weekend of quarter-final action, two of the final four spots have been claimed by clubs with a rare and fascinating commonality: they are led from the dugout by the very men who own them.
Joseph “Bucs” Mthombeni of Casric Stars and Dr. Xanti Pupuma of Milford FC have defied the odds, steering their Motsepe Foundation Championship sides into the semi-finals while balancing the dual roles of club chairman and head coach.
Casric Stars: The Giant-Killers of KwaMhlanga
Joseph Mthombeni, affectionately known as “Bucs,” has turned Casric Stars into a tactical nightmare for top-flight teams. After famously knocking out Orlando Pirates in the earlier rounds, Mthombeni’s side proved their triumph was no fluke by defeating AmaZulu FC 2–1 after extra time on Saturday.
Mthombeni’s approach combines the long-term vision of an owner with the tactical flexibility of a coach. His team played with a fearlessness that suggested they belonged on the big stage, stifling seasoned top-tier opposition and striking with precision when it mattered most. For Casric Stars, this semi-final berth is not just a cup run—it is a statement of intent for their promotion ambitions.
Milford FC: The “Stallions” and the Doctor’s Touch
In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent tournament history, Dr. Xanti Pupuma guided Milford FC to a historic penalty shootout victory over Sekhukhune United. The “Stallions” showed remarkable resilience, battling back to a 2–2 draw before securing their progression in a tense shootout.
A medical doctor by profession, Dr. Pupuma has brought a surgeon’s precision to Milford FC. Since stepping into the coaching role to stabilize the club, he has transformed them into a knockout-stage powerhouse. The victory over Sekhukhune reaffirms that Milford’s 2024 heroics were just the beginning of a larger legacy.
A New Era for South African Football
The presence of two “Chairman-Coaches” in the semi-finals challenges the traditional European model of separating club management from technical leadership. In the South African context, Mthombeni and Pupuma represent a hands-on passion, where their investment in the club is both financial and deeply emotional.
For the fans, this narrative adds a layer of “David vs. Goliath” intrigue. As the semi-final draw approaches on Monday night, all eyes will be on whether these two underdog stories can make it to a dream final.
One thing is certain: the 2026 Nedbank Cup will be remembered as the year the bosses took charge of the pitch and won.
