Casric Stars are gearing up for a crucial clash against Orbit College FC in the Betway Premiership promotion playoffs. Coach Bucs Mthombeni has declared the match a must-win as they aim to strengthen their position. The game is set to take place at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday, June 21st, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
The Stars have had a mixed start to the playoffs, drawing 0-0 with Motsepe Foundation Championship rivals and then battling to a 1-1 draw against Cape Town City. Sphamandla Mlilo's late penalty marked their first goal in the playoffs, a significant improvement after failing to score in their previous promotion attempt two years ago.
Mthombeni emphasizes the importance of their home form, where they finished the MFC campaign strongly. Orbit College, however, are also vying for promotion, but haven't yet scored in the playoffs after a 0-0 draw with Cape Town City.
Casric Stars hold a favorable record against Orbit, remaining undefeated in their five encounters. Former Casric Stars coach, Ashwin Sutton, believes the team can secure victory in the ongoing PSL play-offs, highlighting the team's balanced approach.
"We will try by all means because we need Saturday's game to be a must-win, so that we put ourselves in a better position. Then the results will depend on Orbit's game against Cape Town City," said Mthombeni. "It's gonna be difficult because Orbit is a team that moves the ball around, but we are gonna come at them like tigers and try to beat them."
Sutton added, "The situation definitely favours Casric. They played the first game, and now they will play the last game against City. Consider how they performed in their previous match; they have the opportunity to advance if they execute well."
All three teams, Casric, Orbit College FC, and Cape Town City FC are tied with two points each. The match at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 on Saturday.
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