Latest news with #LetsieKoapeng
IOL News
03-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Three players who can propel PSL newbies Orbit College into Premiership stratosphere
Letsie Koapeng (left) runs to celebrate with Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye after scoring against Cape Town City during the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs last month. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Newcomers Orbit College have done the hard yards to secure their place in the top flight via the PSL promotion-relegation playoffs. As they brace for the challenge ahead, they do so with the advantage of arriving without the burden of heavy expectations. The North West-based outfit will embark on their maiden Premiership season with a tricky away fixture against AmaZulu next Saturday. While few expect them to upset the establishment, it's precisely that lack of pressure that could make them dangerous. They proved that point during their impressive Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) campaign and in the playoffs against Cape Town Spurs and Casric Stars. The World Cup-hosting city of Rustenburg will also welcome top-flight football for the first time in nearly a decade. With Olympia Park Stadium selected as Orbit's home base, visiting teams might find it tough to adapt to what is a relatively modest, but potentially hostile venue. With more questions than answers heading into the season, here are three players who could be key to helping Orbit stay in the top flight: Monnapule Saleng The Orlando Pirates loanee has been one of the most talked-about players since mid-last season and throughout the off-season, as he slipped down the pecking order at his parent club. Saleng is widely regarded as one of the most talented wingers in the country. He had a strong run with the Buccaneers, but after limited game time in their 2024/25 campaign, his form and rhythm may have taken a hit. For Orbit, he represents a potential game-changer — if he can rediscover his confidence and sharpness. While his talent is undeniable, it would be premature to assume he will single-handedly carry the team. The weight of expectation from fans — and from within himself — could be a factor. But even if things don't go perfectly on the pitch, his experience and pedigree make him a valuable addition. His presence alone will lift the quality around him. Sekhoane Moerane The goalkeeper was instrumental in Orbit's playoff success, producing key saves at crucial moments and going through the mini-tournament without conceding a single goal. The Lesotho international will be vital heading into the season — not only as the last line of defence, but also as a player who brings composure and international experience. He will likely play a leading role in helping the team navigate tight games and difficult moments throughout the campaign. Gomolemo Khoto The dynamic midfielder played a major role in both Orbit's strong Motsepe Foundation Championship run and their playoff triumph. His pace and vision in attacking transitions were standout features in the team's campaign, where they finished second — just five points behind Durban City. Khoto enters the new season with confidence, having delivered the crucial assist that allowed Letsie Koapeng to score the match-winning goal against Cape Town Spurs in the playoffs, securing a vital 1-0 win. This season presents the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his full skill set on the biggest domestic stage.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orbit College face their biggest test yet after historic promotion
Letsie Koapeng (left) runs to celebrate with Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye after scoring against Cape Town City during the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs last month. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Orbit College have been a side on the rise, steadily climbing the ranks of South African football. But after defying the odds to secure promotion to the Premiership, they now face what may be the toughest challenge in the club's short but ambitious history. Following a second-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship — just five points behind champions Durban City — the Mswenko Boys clinched their Premiership spot with a gritty 1-0 victory over Cape Town City in their final play-off fixture. Earlier in the week, they had also overcome Casric Stars (1-0), finishing the mini-league unbeaten on eight points. They were the only side to register wins, as both City and Casric ended the play-offs on three points and will remain in the second tier next season. Now, with their place at the top table secured, all eyes will be on how the newcomers adjust to life in the big league. Here, we examine three key talking points ahead of their debut Premiership campaign. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Consistency is crucial at the top level A look at Magesi FC's journey serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale. After their promotion, Magesi shocked the nation by lifting the Carling Knockout, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final. But the shine soon wore off as the relentless demands of the Premiership exposed their lack of depth and consistency — only a late-season turnaround under Owen da Gama kept them afloat. Orbit will need to avoid similar pitfalls. Head coach Pogiso Makhoye and his charges must be fully switched on from the first whistle of the season. Facing seasoned opposition week in and week out requires a level of performance and mental resilience that goes far beyond short-term form. Consistency will be the currency of survival, especially for a side with no top-flight experience. Continuity in leadership could be their edge One advantage Orbit do have is stability in the dugout. Unlike Durban City, who parted ways with Simo Dladla shortly after promotion, Orbit are expected to continue under the guidance of Makhoye. The coach, who has played a pivotal role in the club's rise, oversaw 14 wins and 11 draws last season, losing just five matches. His familiarity with the squad and clear tactical identity could prove key in helping the club transition more smoothly into the top flight. With a few targeted signings still expected, retaining Makhoye provides continuity and a sense of control — both vital for a team entering uncharted waters.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orbit College deserve historic PSL promotion, says delighted coach Makhoye
Letsie Koapeng (left) runs to celebrate with Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye after scoring against Cape Town City on Wednesday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Orbit College have completed a fairy-tale run by winning the Premier Soccer League Promotional Playoffs, earning a well-deserved spot in South Africa's top-flight Premiership next season. After narrowly missing out on automatic promotion in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) – finishing just five points behind league winners Durban City – the Rustenburg-based side made the most of their second chance in the playoffs, showing remarkable consistency and composure under pressure. Their playoff path was anything but easy. Orbit were pitted against the vastly experienced Cape Town City and a battle-hardened Casric Stars side – both accustomed to the rigours of high-stakes football. Yet despite the odds stacked against them, they relied on their strong campaign momentum and superior tactical discipline to outlast their opponents in what was essentially a sprint to the finish. Their journey was a continuation of an impressive upward trajectory after finishing ninth the previous season. Armed with a renewed sense of belief and a refreshed squad, the Mswenko Boys approached the playoffs with confidence and clear strategy, which paid off as they managed to hurdle their challenges and punch their ticket to top-tier football. An emotional Pogiso Makhoye, Orbit's long-serving coach, could barely hold back his joy after the team's final match. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'It was very difficult,' he said. 'I couldn't be with the team for the first two matches of the season because I was sick. After we drew against Durban City, I didn't think we would make it.' But Makhoye's faith never wavered. The coach, who has been at the team for over 15 years, pointed to the club's smart recruitment strategy as the catalyst for their transformation. 'The signings of Letsie Koapeng (who scored the decisive goal against Cape Town City on Wednesday), Tshepo Matsemela and Given Thibedi brought experience into the squad. We were the second-best team in the MFC, and we deserved to be here,' he continued. 'We deserved to be here, and we took Durban City toe-to-toe until the last game, and we knew that this was our moment, and we needed to promote this team.' Their promotion marks a significant moment not just for Orbit, but for the entire North West province. The club becomes the first team from the region to feature in the PSL since Platinum Stars' relegation in the 2017/18 season, bringing top-flight football back to the province after a long hiatus.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From consistency to collapse: Cape Town City's slide into the lower division
Cape Town City's Jaedin Rhodes can't hide his emotions after the club was relegated from the Betway Premiership this past week. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Cape Town City's first significant collapse in over a decade has come at a heavy cost, as they are now headed for life in the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship next season after failing to navigate the PSL Promotional Playoffs with a 1-0 loss against Orbit College on Wednesday. The Cape outfit lost what turned into a must-win clash, following Orbit's crucial 1-0 triumph over Casric Stars in their penultimate outing — a result that placed the North West side firmly in command of the mini-league. Despite their determined efforts to keep their Premiership status alive, City never looked like a team that had truly recovered from a troubled 2024/25 campaign. And once Letsie Koapeng slotted in a decisive second-half strike, it sealed their relegation fate and brought an abrupt close to a proud era for a club long known for its reliability and top-flight consistency. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It's a bitter pill to swallow for a team that hadn't missed a Top 8 finish since the 2014/15 season and had regularly pushed into the Top 5. But after navigating years of relative stability, their first truly turbulent season has left them staring at a long road back to the top. Head coach Diego Peral lamented his side's missed opportunities throughout a challenging campaign, as they bowed out with a defeat that confirmed their drop with one match to play against Casric on Saturday. 'We had chances and we didn't score, so this is what happens,' Peral said, in the aftermath. 'It's not the first time this season. It is what it is. What can we do? The chances were there, we had many opportunities to win the game, to take the lead, but we didn't. 'For Saturday's match, we needed that goal — and we just didn't get it. 'It's a horrible situation to be in. We've been here since the start of the season. We had so many chances to fix it, and we didn't. You look at the guys who've been here since day one, and it's sad. 'It is what it is. We have to pick ourselves up and start again.' City's downfall had been building from the outset of the season, as they uncharacteristically stumbled out of the blocks and never truly recovered from their sluggish start — a stark contrast to last season's fifth-place finish.
TimesLIVE
25-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Orbit College graduate to Premiership and relegate Cape Town City
Orbit College will play in the Betway Premiership next season football after securing promotion with their 1-0 playoffs win over Cape Town City at Olympia Park in Rustenburg on Wednesday. In the process, the Citizens were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC), unable to retain their status in the promotion-relegation playoffs after finishing 15th in the 2024-25 Premiership. There were tears of joy after the final whistle for Orbit as they joined Durban City as the two teams from the MFC to be promoted to the Premiership to play top-flight football. Letsie Koapeng netted the only goal of the match two minutes after the break. Orbit finished the playoff mini-league with eight points after two wins and two draws. Olympia Park erupts 🥳🎉 Letsie Koapeng puts Orbit College within touching distance of #BetwayPrem promotion 👀 📺 Stream on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2025 Orbit came into the fixture leading both City and Casric Stars by three points after their 1-0 win against Casric in Mbombela last week and knew a win would be enough to seal promotion. Orbit coach Pogiso Makhoye was full of praise for his players and said they knew this was their moment this season after they went toe-to-toe with Durban City in the MFC. 'It was difficult, I didn't prepare the team for the first two games as I was sick,' Makhoye told SuperSport TV after the game. 'I would like to thank Mpumi and Nkosana [PSL chair and Orlando Pirates owner Irvin Khoza's children] for guiding me. Those are my mentors and congratulations to them, and I'm very proud of myself because they believed in me to say, 'One day you will make history'. Tshepo 'Jomo' Matsemela is back in the big time 🤩🙌 Look at what promotion means to the Orbit College players 👇 #SSDiski | #BetwayPrem — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2025 'We deserve to be here because we were the second-best team in the MFC. We took Durban City toe-to-toe to the last day and we knew that this was our moment we needed to promote this team. 'And thanks to the people of Bokone Bophirima [the North West] — they were starving for [Premiership] football. 'I wanted to create a legacy even when I started with this club. It was a college team and I said one day I needed to promote it to MFC and then take it to the Premiership. And I'm happy I have delivered that to the North West people.' City interim coach Diogo Peral was disappointed with the result. 'What can we do? We had a lot of chances to put them away and we didn't do it,' he said.
