City feel the heat ahead of Casric clash

In what has been a tense PSL Promotion Playoff battle so far, Cape Town City and Casric Stars will battle it out for top spot in the mini-league when the two sides take to the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

In a bid to remain in the PSL next season, the Citizens started their round-robin campaign in the playoffs with a 0-0 draw with Orbit College at the Cape Town Stadium last Saturday.

City dominated large parts of the encounter but were ultimately let down by blunt finishing in the final third. Casric Stars were likewise unable to record victory last time out, following their gruelling 0-0 stalemate with Orbit College on Wednesday, 11 June.

With no goals scored in the mini-league so far, Orbit College lead the way at the top of the table by single point, which could pave the way for City or Casric this week.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking after Casric’s latest result against Orbit, coach Joseph Mthembeni believes that maximum points would have put his side in a better position against City.

“I will take the points and go home,”Mthembeni said.

“I cannot complain, look, this is a mini-league. Points away, I think it's good, I just think we have to go home and grind more.

“It was better if I got three points to put myself in a better position."

On the other hand, Cape Town City assistant coach Diogo Peral is of the belief that Casric could present them with problems in Mpumalanga.

“It’s a different game, we are away from home, different teams, Casric are a lot more direct and are the kind of team we struggle against.

“We have to do our homework and make sure we go there and know what we are doing.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Casric Stars: Kermit Erasmus – As one of the most experienced players at Casric, Erasmus’ calm head will be needed on Wednesday. While Erasmus is known for his quality on the edge of the area, Casric Stars will most certainly rely on his leadership against the PSL quality outfit.

Cape Town City: Emile Witbooi – With Erasmus being the veteran in the Casric attacking department, Witbooi has emerged as one of South Africa’s best up-and-coming talents. Given his ability to produce moments of magic, Witbooi’s trickery and vision could separate the two sides on Wednesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between Casric Stars and Cape Town City.