Orbit College and Casric Stars played to a goalless stalemate in the delayed PSL relegation and promotion playoffs at Olympia Park Stadium on Wednesday.

The delay was caused by a dispute brought before the PSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) and SAFA arbitration.

The playoffs had been halted after JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs lodged protests with the PSL DC, alleging that Durban City, who won the Motsepe Foundation Championship to gain promotion to the top-flight Betway Premiership next season, used an ineligible player, Sazizo Magawana. However, these matters were dismissed with costs by the PSL DC.

These two clubs continued their fight by proceeding to the SAFA arbitration, where they again found no success, with their appeals dismissed with costs. Spurs has since taken the matter to the High Court, seeking to have SAFA’s arbitration ruling set aside. However, Sportswire sources have revealed they are fighting a losing battle.

As the playoffs started on Wednesday, the game started with considerable energy, but neither team managed to score in the first half.

The only notable incident occurred in the 89th minute when Sphamandla Mlilo was penalised with a foul on the edge of the box, and Thando Ndzandzeka awarded a free kick, giving Stars a chance to break the deadlock. However, the free kick was blocked, and Stars’ opportunity was thwarted.

Casric also had their own chance later in the match with a free kick at the other end, but it was blocked by the wall.

The playoffs will now shift to Saturday when Cape Town City, who finished 15th in the Betway Premiership, will host Orbit at DHL Stadium at 15:00.

Next Wednesday, Casric Stars will play their second match when they host City at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.