In a dramatic end to the promotion-relegation battle, Orbit College have written their names into South African football history by clinching a place in the Betway Premiership, while Cape Town City FC have suffered the devastating blow of relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Northwest-based side secured a 1–0 win over City in a tense playoff encounter, confirming a meteoric rise for the club and a stunning fall from grace for their more established opponents. It’s a moment of triumph for Orbit, who only turned professional a few years ago and now find themselves preparing to take on the giants of the South African top flight.
Cape Town City FC, meanwhile, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Just a few seasons ago, they were in the mix for continental competition spots. Now, they’ll have to rebuild in the second tier after a campaign that ended in heartbreak.
With playmaker Lethabo Modimoeng suspended, Orbit entered the match under pressure. City welcomed back Amadou Soukouna, hoping his return would spark a revival in their fortunes. The early stages showed promise for the visitors, with Haashim Domingo and Soukouna both testing goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, but the breakthrough never came.
Orbit slowly grew into the contest, with Gomolemo Khoto and Letsie Koapeng becoming more involved. Just two minutes after the restart, their growing momentum paid off. Khoto delivered a pinpoint cross that caught City’s defence off guard, and Koapeng sneaked ahead of Lorenzo Gordinho to tap home the goal that would change the future of both clubs.
Cape Town City threw on experienced midfielder Fortune Makaringe and youngster Emile Witbooi in a desperate attempt to spark a comeback. Though the changes brought more energy, Orbit’s defence stood tall, frustrating every attack and absorbing the pressure.
Orbit switched to a counter-attacking setup late in the game, with City pushing forward in numbers and leaving themselves exposed. Despite several efforts, they couldn’t find a way past Moerane again.
When the final whistle blew, Orbit’s players collapsed in celebration while City’s players stood stunned. The newcomers from Rustenburg will now prepare to rub shoulders with South Africa’s elite next season, while City are left to face life in the lower division.
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Picture: Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images
