Orbit College edge closer to PSL topflight dream with dramatic win over Casric Stars
Orbit College FC took a giant leap toward rewriting their own football fairytale, edging Casric Stars FC 1-0 in a dramatic PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoff clash at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday.
For 80 minutes, the match mirrored much of what this mini-league has delivered - tense build-up, heavy midfield battles, and very little end product.
But then came Siyabulela Mabele.
With the match destined to become the fourth consecutive draw in a goal-starved playoff campaign, Mabele's late deflected strike broke the deadlock and sent the Orbit bench charging towards the corner flag in a euphoric release of emotion.
One kick. One goal. One seismic step towards the topflight.
Until that moment, there was little to cheer about.
The first half drifted by with no shots on target and a whopping 40% of the action stuck in midfield.
Both sides had moments, but both lacked the guile and sharpness to break through - an all-too-familiar story in these playoffs.
The second stanza offered more.
Ten minutes after the restart, chaos unfolded.
A poor clearance from Casric's Emile Tcheuko fell kindly to Mabele in the box. With only the goalkeeper to beat, it felt inevitable. But instead of finishing with composure, he dawdled and Tcheuko recovered with a desperate but crucial save.
Promotion play-off - RESULT:
Orbit College secure all three points and go top of the table as they win away against Casric Stars. pic.twitter.com/KGYmTqTpN8
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) June 21, 2025
Moments later, Casric launched a quick counter. The ball found its way into the box, and Ofentse Mothapo, standing unmarked, blazed his first-time effort into the side-netting when the goalmouth begged for calm execution.
But Mabele would not leave this match as the villain. With 10 minutes left, he made amends. His speculative long-range effort caught the slightest deflection, completely wrong-footing Tcheuko, and nestling into the back of the net.
Orbit were ahead, and the dream was alive.
The final minutes were nervy. Casric, known for their late fightbacks - including a last-gasp equaliser against Cape Town City - pushed forward in desperation. But Orbit's defence, led by goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, stood firm.
From the ABC Motsepe League just two years ago to now, within touching distance of the DStv Premiership, Orbit's rise has been meteoric. One more match could seal it.
They host Cape Town City on Wednesday, 25 June (15:00), in what could be an historic afternoon.
A win confirms their place in the 2025/26 Premiership. A draw, however, would drag the drama into the final fixture on 30 June when City face Casric (15:00).
City, once considered one of the league's most enterprising sides, have stumbled through this playoff campaign in a fashion that mirrors their broader struggles throughout the 2024/25 season.
Despite their experience at the top level and a squad with quality in key areas, the Citizens have looked flat and uninspired, drawing both of their playoff fixtures so far, without scoring a single goal.
As it stands, Orbit top the table with five points. City and Casric are locked on two each. The promotion race is alive and, fittingly, going right down to the wire.
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