Casric Stars Stumble at Home, Orbit College Take Control of Promotion Play-offs
Casric Stars’ hopes of earning promotion to the Betway Premiership took a major blow after a 0-1 home defeat to Orbit College at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The loss leaves Stars sitting third on the PSL Promotion Play-offs table with just 2 points from 3 matches, tied with second-placed Cape Town City, who have played one game fewer.
Orbit College, meanwhile, sit comfortably on top with 5 points from 3 matches, and now stand one result away from sealing promotion. Their final and potentially decisive match will take place on Wednesday, 25 June at 15:00, when they host Cape Town City at Olympia Park in Rustenburg.
Casric Stars’ final match will come on Monday, 30 June at 15:00, a high-stakes away clash at DHL Stadium in Cape Town against Cape Town City FC. Only a win will give them a slim shot at promotion, depending on Orbit’s result earlier in the week.
🎯 Missed Opportunities and One Costly Strike
Casric entered Saturday’s clash needing a win to take control of their play-off destiny, and they started the brighter side once again. In the 12th minute, Fils Ndoh Moukete smartly nodded the ball into the path of Sesane, who shockingly fired over the crossbar from just six yards out.
The hosts created another golden opportunity in the 34th minute, as Moukete was picked out at the far post but failed to hit the target. Neither side registered a shot on target in a frustrating first half.
Orbit College came out stronger after the break. Ten minutes into the second half, Siyabulela Mabele found himself one-on-one with Casric keeper Emile Lako, only to waste the chance with a weak effort. A minute later, Casric’s Mothapo blasted over from close range.
🔁 Tactical Tweaks and a Decisive Goal
Stars made three changes from their 1-1 draw against Cape Town City, bringing in Sphamandla Mlilo, Ofentse Mothapo, and Joel Agoe. The visitors made only one change with Muhluri Ubisi starting but being replaced by Tshepo Matsemela in the 20th minute due to injury.
Casric pressed for a winner in the latter stages, making a triple substitution – introducing Tlhalefang Kgabane, Loatile Tlholoe, and Kermit Erasmus. But their push was undone in the 80th minute when Mabele redeemed himself, firing a long-range strike that deceived Lako and nestled into the bottom corner.
Casric nearly equalised through Decide Chauke’s low drive and had a golden opportunity in stoppage time, but Kgabane missed a sitter to level matters, handing Orbit a crucial away victory.
⚽ Play-off Table (After 3 Matches Each for Casric & Orbit)
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orbit College | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | Cape Town City FC | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Casric Stars | 3 | 2 |