Orbit and Stars share the spoils in playoff opener

Casric Stars' search for a goal in the promotion playoffs continues after they played out to a goalless draw with Orbit College FC at Olympia Park on Wednesday.

Bucs Mthombeni's side failed to get on the scoresheet in any of their four matches two years ago as their bid to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership fell flat on that occasion.

Stars had beaten Orbit in three of their previous four games and the last meeting between them in the Motsepe Foundation Championship ended in a 2-2 draw in February.

The visitors looked to the experience of Kermit Erasmus to help unlock the opposition defence, but the former Orlando Pirates striker couldn't make the desired impact and was substituted in the 54th minute.

Orbit made a bright start and threatened in the opening minute when Siyabulela Mabele pounced on a loose ball and tested Emile Lako with a fierce shot from inside the box.

Stars went close midway through the first half as Thabang Semache tried his luck from long range, but Sekhoane Moerane was equal to the task, pulling off a save at full stretch.

Moukete was alert to the danger once more just before halftime, palming a header from Simon Moukete behind for a corner.

But the two teams were more cautious in the second half as they looked to preserve clean sheets and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.

Orbit College FC (0) 0

Casric Stars (0) 0

Orbit College FC: S. Moerane, T. Nhlapo, S. Mabele, R. Potsana, A. Batsi, T. Jingana, H. Vilakazi, L. Koapeng (G. Khoto 46'), L. Modimoeng (A. Lukhele 73'), T. Matsemela (G. Thibedi 73'), O. Mokgosi.

Casric Stars: E. Lako, M. Thokolo, M. Chokoe, L. Sebetlela, S. Mlilo, T. Semache (L. Tlholoe 67'), J. Agoe, D. Chauke (A. Seseane 85'), K. Erasmus (T. Kgabane 54'), T. Rakwena, S. Moukete.