PSL Playoffs: Orbit College jump to top of the table with crucial win at Casric Stars

After two rounds of draws between the three participating clubs in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion/relegation playoffs, Orbit College made the first major move on Saturday with a 1-0 victory at Casric Stars.

Siyabulele Mabele’s 80th minute long range effort took a kind deflection off teammate Lethabo Modimoeng, leaving wrong-footed Casric Stars goalkeeper Emile Lako helpless to react as the ball nestled into his goal.

It was a devastating moment for home supporters at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga Province, who turned out in numbers to boost home side Casric. Instead, their team suffered a crucial blow to their hopes of promotion to the top flight Betway Premiership in another even and hard fought match.

The two clubs from the second tier Motsepe Foundation Championship were all level heading into Saturday’s clash with Cape Town City, who are fighting to defend their top flight status. The Citizens now have work to do after Orbit College’s first goal in three playoff matches lifted them three points clear at the top of the table.

PSL Playoffs Table

Casric Stars’ hopes are all but gone at this point and they will need to win at Cape Town City in their final match to have any chance of promotion.

Orbit College now have a 10-match unbeaten streak and will host Cape Town City in their final playoff match on Wednesday, where a victory will give them a first-ever appearance in the top flight after only gaining promotion to the second tier for the 2023-24 season. If Cape Town City are able to avoid defeat at Orbit College, they hold the advantage with the last playoff game at home against Casric Stars on June 30.

PSL Playoff Remaining Fixtures

June 25

Orbit College vs Cape Town City

June 30

Cape Town City vs Casric Stars