Orbit College ascended to the summit of the PSL promotion play-off table this Saturday afternoon, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Casric Stars.
Casric made three changes to their starting lineup following their dramatic draw against Cape Town City, bringing in Sphamandla Mlilo, Ofentse Mothapo, and Joel Agoe, while Muhluri Ubisi was Orbit's sole adjustment.
The match began with early intent as Agoe fired a half-volley wide in the opening minute. However, Orbit suffered an early blow when Ubisi was forced off due to injury in the 20th minute, replaced by Tshepo Matsemela.
Despite this, Casric continued to create the better chances, with Simon Moukete volleying over from a cross-field delivery around the half-hour mark. The second half started with no changes, and the tightly contested match saw minimal opportunities for either side.
Orbit then missed a golden opportunity ten minutes into the half when a stray pass set up Siyabulela Mabele, whose shot from the edge of the area was smothered by Emile Lako. Moments later, Stars squandered their own chance as Mothapo charged in at the back-post but volleyed a floating delivery over the bar.
Casric introduced fresh legs with a triple substitution in the latter stages, bringing on Tlhalefang Kgabane, Loatile Tlholoe, and Kermit Erasmus. However, it was Orbit College who broke the deadlock ten minutes from time.
SIYABULELA MABELE’S LATE STRIKE
Siyabulela Mabele unleashed a speculative shot from outside the area that wrong-footed Lako, finding the bottom corner of the net. The home side pushed for an equalizer, with Decide Chauke's first-time effort being parried by Sekhoane Moerane in the final minute.
Casric's pressure continued into stoppage time, but Kgabane notably missed a sitter, allowing Orbit to secure the crucial win and claim top spot in the mini-league play-offs.
