After legal battles, PSL playoffs begin: Orbit against Casric ends in draw

Orbit College and Casric Stars. Photo credit: PSL

The long-awaited PSL Promotional Playoffs finally got underway on Wednesday afternoon at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg, where Orbit College FC and Casric Stars played to a 0-0 draw.

After weeks of delays due to protests and legal cases, including Royal AM’s league membership being revoked for failing to complete fixtures, the mini-league competition between the two Motsepe Foundation Championship teams and one Betway Premiership side commenced.

This adds extra tension to a competition where, since the 2018/19 season, only Cape Town Spurs has successfully navigated from the lower division to the Premiership, with established top-flight clubs typically holding their ground. Orbit and Casric are determined to break this trend.

Orbit came into the opening match as underdogs, having never secured a victory against Casric since their promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Despite playing at home and hoping for a winning start, they were left disappointed with the draw, failing to capitalise on their home advantage.

Both teams showed early intentions to dominate, eager to secure a spot in South Africa’s top-flight football league next season. Casric Stars came close to breaking the deadlock, but Orbit goalkeeper Sekhoane Moreane denied Thabang Semache’s attempt and made several crucial saves in the first half to keep Casric off the scoreboard.

Conversely, Orbit struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in the opening half, managing only a single shot on target throughout the entire match. Neither side truly dominated proceedings, with both having their moments. Casric, in particular, had better chances but failed to convert them.

Casric's compact defence made it difficult for Orbit to penetrate and create meaningful chances, resulting in Orbit not registering a single shot on target in the second half. Moreane, however, had an excellent game, making key saves to keep his side in contention.

As the match progressed, Orbit appeared to tire, possibly due to the two-week delay in the playoffs. This result could give Cape Town City an early advantage in the mini-league, as they will play their first match against Casric on June 14 before visiting Orbit on June 18 at Olympia Park. Cape Town City will aim to take an early lead if they secure a victory against Orbit at Cape Town Stadium this Saturday.

The playoffs were originally set to kick off in late May, involving Orbit, Casric, and Cape Town City, who finished 15th in the Betway Premiership.

However, delays occurred due to protests and legal challenges, including JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs' case against MFC winners Durban City over the eligibility of Saziso Magawana.

Cape Town City also lodged a formal objection with the PSL regarding the resumption of their match against SuperSport United. Recent arbitration has reportedly gone against Cape Town City, allowing the fixtures to proceed.