Orbit Beat Casric To Take Control Of PSL Playoffs
Orbit College has moved to the top of the PSL Relegation and Promotion playoffs after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday.
The decisive goal came in the second half when Siyabulele Mabele capitalized on a defensive lapse from Casric to net the all-important strike. This win places Orbit College at the summit of the mini-league table with five points. Casric Stars and Cape Town City are now level on two points each.
Despite the current standings, these playoff matches are proving to be tightly contested, with the promotion spot likely decided in the final moments. Saturday’s match between Casric Stars and Orbit College was highly entertaining, showcasing the determination of both teams.
This was the second encounter between the two sides in these playoffs; their previous meeting on 11 June in Rustenburg ended in a draw.
For Orbit, this was their third match of the playoffs, with their first two having been goalless draws. They entered Saturday’s game following a goalless draw with Cape Town City last Saturday. Meanwhile, City played to a 1-1 draw with Stars midweek at the same venue in Mpumalanga.
The best chance fell to Mabele, who should have bagged a brace, having a golden opportunity early in the second half when he was clean through on goal. However, his attempt to round goalkeeper Lako Wendeu was thwarted, as Wendeu remained focused and made a crucial save.
Nonetheless, Mabele would not be denied in the 80th minute. After missing his earlier chance, he found time and space on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that took a significant deflection, wrong-footing Wendeu and finding the back of the net.
The promotion fate is now firmly in Orbit College’s hands. They can secure their spot in the PSL next season if they manage to get a result against City at home on Wednesday.
