Cape Town City's PSL status still in the balance after derby stalemate with Stellenbosch FC
Cape Town City's Betway Premiership fate is no longer in their hands. They have run their race and finished on 27 points - one point above the relegation zone.
But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the DHL Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes - effectively one half - of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February.
SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 Richard Bay, but still have their get out of jail card available after the PSL's ruling last week.
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker's team will compete in the CAF Confederations Cup again next season.
Stellies reach the semifinals of the continental competition in their first effort this season.
City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar.
The Citizens' desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal.
Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscar Masululeke.
Central defender Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper.
But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished.
Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked.
The New Zealander headed powerfully in the direction of the City goal, but Darren Keet, who was playing in his 100th match, palmed the ball to safety.
Stellenbosch particularly went on the offensive shortly before halftime when Sanele Barnes, Devon Titus and Fawaaz Basadien called Keet into action to make a flurry of saves to keep City's hopes of staying in the Betway Premiership alive.
While City will be sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the conclusion of the Arrows-SuperSport United clash that will hopefully be scheduled for this week, Stellenbosch FC can look back at another hugely fulfilling season where they competed valiantly on all fronts.
Barker's men reached a first-ever MTN8 final, enjoyed a brilliant CAF Confederation Cup adventure that ran all the way to the semifinals and secured third place in the Betway Premiership yet again.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star to Europe's top level if...
Orlando Pirates sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi delivered another stellar performance as the Buccaneers beat Stellenbosch 1-0 in the Betway Premiership. Remember what his coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, said last week? According to the French-Moroccan coach, the 19-year-old Mbokazi could reach the very top in Europe, only on three conditions. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs' tactical weakness While lauding the Hluhluwe-born left-footed star, Ouaddou, was quick to strike a balance between praise and caution. 'Let me be very honest, and you have to be careful when you compliment someone, they stop working,' Ouaddou told the media. 'But I have to say it, as a coach, when I compliment a player that is doing well, it's good for their mentality, confidence, and self-esteem. Kaizer Chiefs news: Left-back and left winger 'This guy [Mbokazi], if he continues to work, continue to be professional and take care of his lifestyle, I think he he as a great future. 'I have seen him again today [Saturday], he is just unbelievable, it's a performance for big clubs in Europe, and we are happy to have him at Orlando Pirates, a big club in Africa, but he has to keep working,' the Orlando Pirates mentor concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates fans find new favourite player
Kamogelo Sebelebele scored his second goal in four days for Orlando Pirates and walked away with the Man of the Match award against Stellenbosch FC. Fans can't get enough of Sebelebele, and who can blame them? The winger/full-back popped up with another cracking goal against Stellenbosch and proved again why he is a key player for Orlando Pirates this season. The Tembisa-born star spent the bulk of his senior career at TS Galaxy, arriving from their reserve team in 2022. Over three seasons, he became a pillar of the Rockets, racking up 98 appearances across all competitions. In the standout 2024/25 campaign alone, he featured 29 times and scored five goals, adding two assists to boot. Orlando Pirates star to Europe's top level if… The former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe has now shared his impressions on the Buccaneers' new hero. 'He is a technically gifted player, you know. But what does he bring? He brings aggression, speed, and also the hunger to ask for the ball from behind,' Manenzhe told SuperSport TV . Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs' tactical weakness 'So, that is exactly how Orlando Pirates scored the goal [against Sundowns], with Sebelebele asking for the ball from behind. 'He is an out-and-out right winger. In the previous season, they had Mohau Nkota, who is left-footed, playing on the right, but this time they have an out-and-out right-footer on the right-hand side. When he receives the ball, there is no need to turn back to his stronger foot. 'He faced Ronwen Williams and became resourceful, putting the ball in the back of the net,' the club legend concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Sundowns leave it late to sink Magesi
Coach Miguel Cardoso rang the changes, retaining only Ronwen Williams from the previous line-up. Mamelodi Sundowns left it late to grind out a 2-0 victory over Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership encounter at the Seshego Stadium on Wednesday night. Sundowns finally strike Jayden Adams and Peter Shalulile scored deep into the contest to steer the Brazilians past Dikwena tsa Meetse. Magesi were reduced to ten men when Lehlohonolo Mtshali received his marching orders for a second bookable offence with 11 minutes remaining. ALSO READ: US club submit multi-million rand offer for Pirates' Mofokeng – report It was far from a polished Sundowns display, but they did just enough to leave Limpopo with maximum points ahead of their eagerly anticipated MTN8 semifinal second leg against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. With that clash in mind, coach Miguel Cardoso rang the changes against Magesi, retaining only Ronwen Williams from the first leg of the Pirates match. Among the fresh faces was 19-year-old youth international Gomolemo Kekana who made his senior debut after a stellar year that included scoring the winner for Amajita in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in May. Kekana's night ended at half-time, however, as he was withdrawn for Thapelo Maseko after picking up a yellow card in the opening minute. The first hour offered little in the way of attacking quality, with Sundowns struggling to impose themselves while Magesi created the better chances. Williams was forced into action to keep his side on terms, and Lehlogonolo Mokone was unlucky not to break the deadlock just before the interval when his header from a Mcedi Vandala cross rattled the upright. Cardoso looks to his bench In search of control, Cardoso turned to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Marcelo Allende, Thapelo Morena and Tashreeq Matthews for Sphelele Mkhulise, Bathusi Aubaas and Siyabonga Mabena. The changes eventually paid off as Adams pounced on a loose ball from a corner to fire home the opener in the 73rd minute. ALSO READ: Stellenbosch FC eyeing victory over Orlando Pirates Shalulile put the game beyond doubt with a great finish in the 87th minute as the defending champions secured all three points. Magesi remain without a victory after three matches of the new Premiership campaign.
