PSL Playoffs: Cape Town City begin top flight status defense with draw

Photo: Cape Town City FC/Facebook

On Saturday, Cape Town City began their quest to avoid a first-ever relegation to the second tier of South African football on Saturday with a 0-0 home draw against Orbit College in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) playoffs.

Similar to the opening match of the playoffs which also ended in a 0-0 draw between Orbit and fellow second tier side Casric Stars, there was little to entertain observers. Featuring a couple of members of South Africa's champion team at the recent U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in their lineup, Cape Town City's first major chance arrived in the 23rd minute when Jody Ahshene's shot was parried wide by Orbit goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane.

Two more members of South Africa's successful youth national teams combined to come closest to breaking the deadlock early in the second half. U-20 national team star Shakeel April's darting run from the right flank set up an opening for U-17 starlet Emile Witbooi but his effort from distance went off the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

Citizens goalkeeper Darren Keet finally faced his first major test in the 78th minute but the veteran shot stopper breathed a sigh of relief after Orbit College substitute Ayanda Lukhele sent his finish just wide.

Cape Town will next face Casric Stars on Wednesday where they will try to seize control of the three-team playoff. With two points in two games, Orbit College will wait until next Saturday when they return to action away at Casric Stars.

Playoff Table

	GP	Points
Orbit College	2	2
Cape Town City	1	1
Casric Stars	1	1

• The top team at the end of the playoff will compete in South Africa's top flight Betway Premiership for the 2025-26 season.