Cape Town City frustrated by gritty Orbit College in PSL playoff

Tipped as favourites going into the PSL Promotion Play-Offs, the Citizens now find themselves with early pressure mounting after a lackluster showing against the plucky second-division newcomers. For Orbit College, however, it was a valuable away point - and enough to see them momentarily rise to the top of the mini-league standings, thanks to back-to-back goalless draws.

The clash at Cape Town Stadium promised intensity but delivered more frustration than flair for the home side. Cape Town City dominated early possession but struggled to penetrate Orbit's compact defense. Their only real threat in the opening half came in the 40th minute, when Namibian international Prins Tjueza forced a sharp save from Sekhoane Moerane.

Despite showing intent, City's play lacked sharpness in the final third - a recurring theme throughout the 90 minutes.

In search of inspiration, coach Eric Tinkler rang the changes at halftime, introducing the experienced Thulani Serero and exciting 16-year-old Emile Witbooi. And it was the teenager who nearly stole the show just five minutes in, rattling the crossbar with a rocket from outside the box that had fans out of their seats - but not quite celebrating.

Orbit College, dubbed the Mswenko Boys, grew in confidence as the match wore on. Ayanda Lukhele nearly punished a lapse in City's backline in the 76th minute, flashing a shot wide with Darren Keet beaten. Moments later, Letsie Koapeng sent another warning shot over the bar.

City's best hope of a late winner came through substitute Cee-Jay Bezuidenhout, but once again Moerane stood tall with a vital close-range stop - one of several key interventions that earned him man-of-the-match honours.

With just one point from their opening game and two tough fixtures ahead, Cape Town City now face a make-or-break trip to Mpumalanga, where a hungry Casric Stars await. For City, it's no longer just about survival - it's about rediscovering their bite before it's too late.