A single goal was all it took for Orbit College to secure their promotion to the Betway Premiership, simultaneously sending Cape Town City spiralling down to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
For the crucial clash, Cape Town City's interim coach Diogo Peral opted to start striker Amadou Soukouna, with Kayden Francis, Emile Witbooi, Shakeel April, and Jody Ah Shene among those on the bench.
The game commenced with a spirited tempo. Cape Town City initially controlled possession but struggled to fashion genuine scoring opportunities.
Orbit College, in contrast, was content to sit deep and absorb pressure. City did manage the first clear-cut chance after 20 minutes; a slick passing move saw Prins Tjiueza tee up Haashim Domingo, whose effort, however, was a straightforward save for Orbit goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane.
This was City's only significant opportunity in the first half, while Orbit’s speculative long-range shots posed no threat to veteran Darren Keet.
The decisive moment arrived just two minutes into the second half. The lively Gomolemo Khoto carved out space on the flank and delivered a precise cross into the box.
SINGLE GOAL THAT SENT CT CITY TO SECOND-TIER
Letsie Koapeng was quickest to react, getting in front of his defender and clinically slotting the ball past Keet to give Orbit the lead.
City responded by bringing on Emile Witbooi and Fortune Makaringe to bolster their attack. Despite throwing everything forward in the final stages, the Citizens found no way past a resilient Orbit defence that stood firm until the final whistle.
The victory confirmed Orbit College's promotion and sealed Cape Town City's unfortunate relegation.
