Cape Town City FC’s top-flight status is hanging by a thread as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed the schedule for the 2025 promotion and relegation play-offs, setting the stage for a dramatic battle between three determined sides, Cape {town} Etc reports.
After a disastrous 2024/25 campaign that saw Cape Town City slump to 15th in the Betway Premiership, the club will now be forced to defend its place in the big league against Motsepe Foundation Championship hopefuls Casric Stars and Orbit College.
The PSL’s announcement confirms that the trio will compete in a round-robin mini-league, where each team plays the other twice, home and away. Only one will emerge victorious and secure a spot in next season’s Premiership. For Cape Town City, it’s about survival. For Casric Stars and Orbit College, it’s a chance to make history with a long-awaited step up into South Africa’s elite football division.
Meanwhile, Durban City are celebrating automatic promotion after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship, despite lingering controversy. The club’s title win was contested by JDR Stars and Cape Town Spurs, who lodged a formal complaint regarding the alleged use of an ineligible player by Durban City during the season. While that legal matter has cast a shadow over their campaign, the PSL has upheld Durban City’s promotion, for now.
Cape Town City, who were once darlings of South African football under coach Eric Tinkler, have found themselves in a shocking decline this season. Their slide into 15th has raised eyebrows across the league, especially considering the talent within their squad and past seasons where they contended for top-eight spots and cup glory.
Casric Stars and Orbit College, on the other hand, will enter the play-offs with momentum and hunger. Both clubs had solid runs in the second tier and see the play-offs as a rare opportunity to join the likes of Sundowns, Pirates, and Chiefs on the big stage.
Cape Town City FC kick-off their fight for survival on Wednesday, 11 June against Casric Stars at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
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Picture: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images
