25-06-2025
Orbit one foot into SA top flight ahead of City clash
Orbit College face Cape Town City in a decisive playoff match on Wednesday.
A win would guarantee their historic promotion and bring a financial windfall of R2.5 million stipend per month
Cape Town City must win to avoid their first relegation from the top flight.
Orbit College will play their biggest match in their short professional history when they faceoff with Cape Town City on Wednesday afternoon at the Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
The clash could decide the final spot in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership.
Promoted from the ABC Motsepe League just two years ago, Orbit currently sit atop of the PSL promotion/relegation playoff table with five points from three matches.
A win against City would guarantee their historic promotion to the top flight.
The stakes could not be higher.
Promotion would see Orbit join SA's top 16 clubs and receive a monthly grant of R2.5 million, a significant step up from the R500 000 they currently receive in the NFD.
Such a windfall would significantly transform both the club and the lives of its players.
For City, however, the equation is simple: win or risk relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the first time in their history.
The Citizens have collected just two points from their first two playoff matches, leaving them with no room for error in their final two fixtures.
Although City are known for late-season surges, this campaign has been overshadowed by inconsistency and multiple coaching changes.
Interim coach Roger de Sá will need to galvanise his squad to rescue their premiership status.
Orbit have impressed with their solid defensive structure and counter-attacking ability.
City may look to inject youthful energy by giving more minutes to exciting talents such as Emile Witbooi, Shakeel April and Jody Ah Shene, all of whom impressed in their last outing against Casric Stars.
The pressure arguably falls more on Orbit on their final playoff match.
A win will seal promotion; anything less hands City the chance to overtake them.
With both teams desperate for points, an open, high-stakes contest is expected.
