Relegated City Concludes PSL Play-offs With Draw

Cape Town City played their final PSL promotion and relegation play-off match, securing a 1-1 draw against Casric Stars at DHL Stadium on Monday.

The Cape Town club entered this match already relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, having lost their previous game to Orbit College, who secured promotion.

To have had a chance at retaining their top-flight status, City needed to win or draw that crucial match against Orbit College. Going into the final fixture against Casric Stars at home, a win would have been enough to keep them in the PSL.

However, they lost 1-0 to Orbit College, and the Rustenburg club ultimately claimed promotion.

As this final game was merely a formality, it was evident that Cape Town City was already preparing for life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season, with many changes made to their starting lineup. The youthful side, watched by chairman John Comitis from the stands, started brightly. Jody-Lee Ah Shene put the home side ahead in the second minute, converting a cross from Siphamandla Dondolo on the right wing.

However, that lead was short-lived. Stars striker Decide Chauke got ahead of Lorenzo Gordinho and fired the equalizer past Luca Diana-Olario through his legs in the 18th minute. It was a deserved goal for Stars, who dominated possession and put City under significant pressure during that period.

With their superior possession, Junior Seseane attempted a shot from just outside the box, but City goalkeeper Diana-Olario was alert to the danger.

In the 83rd minute, City had a golden opportunity for a second goal on the break when AFCON U/20 star Shakeel April broke clear and set up Emile Witbooi. However, Witbooi, son of Surprise Ralani, attempted to cut inside his defender instead of taking a clear shot, and Stars managed to clear the danger.

As the game became an end-to-end affair in the closing stages, neither side could find a second goal. It remains to be seen what Cape Town City will do in the coming days, as Comitis has previously stated he is open to buying a Betway Premiership status to remain in the PSL top flight.