Advertisement

Orbit claim historic victory against Stars

football21 June 2025 16:01| © Backpage TXT
Share

Orbit College FC boosted their Betway Premiership hopes after clinching a 1-0 victory over Casric Stars in the promotion playoffs at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday.

The two Motsepe Foundation Championship rivals looked set to play out to another goalless draw when Lethabo Modimoeng popped up with the winning goal for Pogiso Makhoye's side 10 minutes from time.

It was Orbit's first win against Stars in six meetings and put them in the driver's seat to gain promotion to the top tier of South African football, as they moved on to five points in the mini table, three clear of the other two teams.

The North-West outfit had drawn their opening two playoff games without scoring, and they came under pressure in the first half as Joel Agoe fired just wide of the near post from a tight angle in the opening minute, before Simon Moukete volleyed over the target after connecting with a cross-field pass.

But Orbit held firm to ensure the score remained unchanged at the break and they had a golden chance to opening the scoring 10 minutes after the restart, when Siyabulela Mabele pounced on a stray pass and advanced into the box, but Emile Lako was equal to the task and made the save.

Ofentse Mothapo then squandered a glorious opportunity at the other end moments later, as he blazed over at the back post after making contact with a floating ball into the danger area.

With time running out, Stars made a slew of changes, bringing on Kermit Erasmus, Tlhalefang Kgabane and Loatlile Tlholoe.

However, the substitutions didn't have the desired impact, as it was the visitors who drew first blood four minutes later.

There was a bit of fortune in the goal, with Mabele's long-range shot taking a deflection off Modimoeng to wrong-foot Lako and end up in the back of the net.

Modimoeng should have had a second at the death after finding himself clean through on goal, but he failed to beat Lako and it finished 1-0 in KwaMhlanga.

Casric Stars 0

Orbit College FC (0) 1 (Modimoeng 80')

CASRIC STARS: E. Lako, S. Mlilo, O. Mothapo (C. Tchouplaou 84'), L. Sebetlela, M. Thokolo, L. Lesako (M. Molaba 63'), J. Agoe (L. Tlholoe 77'), A. Seseane (T. Kgabane 76'), S. Moukete, T. Rakwena (K. Erasmus 76'), D. Chauke.

ORBIT COLLEGE FC: S. Moerane, H. Vilakazi, O. Mokgosi, T. Nhlapo, T. Jingana, M. Ubisi (T. Matsemela 21'), R. Potsana, A. Batsi, L. Modimoeng (Ngiba 90+3'), L. Koapeng, S. Mabele.

Advertisement