Pirates head into the encounter eager to bounce back after their 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions was ended by Mamelodi Sundowns in a midweek Betway Premiership clash.
Despite the setback, the Buccaneers remain top of the league standings and are still on course for a remarkable quadruple, having already lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout this season.
Mthombeni acknowledged the scale of the task facing his side, particularly given Pirates' strong home record and passionate support, however, he believes mindset will be crucial on the day.
"I know it's difficult to play Pirates at Orlando because if you look at the results, they hardly lose there. The supporters also come in numbers, and that makes it even tougher," he said.
"Football doesn't have favourites. If we stick to our game plan and don't play with fear, anything can happen.
Casric arrive with confidence after a solid run of form. The Mpumalanga-based outfit are mounting a serious promotion challenge in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions in their most recent outing.
Known as the Believers, Casric booked their place in the last 16 by defeating Army Rockets in the first round of the Nedbank Cup. Now chasing a historic first-ever quarter-final appearance, they will be hoping belief, discipline and courage can help them spring a famous upset in Soweto.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula insists the Buccaneers' Betway Premiership title ambitions remain intact despite a narrow defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a much-anticipated clash.
AmaZulu secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Richards Bay in an entertaining clash at the uMhlathuze Sports Stadium on Friday night.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has turned his attention to the Nedbank Cup after closing the gap at the top of the Betway Premiership to just three points.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says "there are no more small teams" as his side prepare to face Casric Stars in a Nedbank Cup last 16 clash on Saturday.
