Cape Town City’s Premiership fate is no longer in their hands.
They have run their race and finished on 27 points – one point above the relegation zone.
But instead of celebrating after their goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC in the Western Cape derby at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will have to wait until the SuperSport United and Golden Arrows replay 45 minutes – effectively one half – of their abandoned clash due to loadshedding back in February.
SuperSport United are a point behind City on 26 points after losing 2-0 to Richards Bay, but still have their get-out-of-jail card available after the PSL’s ruling last week.
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, have secured third place after Arrows beat Sekhukhune United 3-2, to ensure Steve Barker’s team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup again next season.
Stellies reach the semi-finals of the continental competition in their first effort this season.
City may yet rue not taking advantage of a host of opportunities in the Cape derby, with Gabriel Amato creating an early chance with a right-footed volley skimming the Stellenbosch crossbar.
The Citizens’ desperation was evident as they continued to pour forward in search of a much-needed goal.
Experienced midfielder Thulani Serero also found space on the edge of the box, rifling in a shot that forced a double save from Oscarine Masuluke.
Central defender Lorenzo Gordinho also had an opportunity immediately after the halftime break when his glancing header nestled into the bread basket of the Stellies goalkeeper.
But with City foraging forward, they also left themselves exposed at the back, and against a team with the quality that Stellenbosch possess, they were fortunate not to be punished.
Stellies weathered the storm and began creating opportunities of their own, with striker Ashley Cupido working his way down the right touchline before sending in a good cross that found Andre de Jongh unmarked.
The New Zealander headed powerfully in the direction of the City goal, but Darren Keet, who was playing in his 100th match, palmed the ball to safety.
Stellenbosch in particular went on the offensive shortly before halftime when Sanele Barns, Devin Titus and Fawaaz Basadien called Keet into action to make a flurry of saves to keep City’s hopes of staying in the Premiership alive.
While City will be sitting on tenterhooks awaiting the conclusion of the Arrows-SuperSport United clash that will hopefully be scheduled for this week, Stellenbosch FC can look back at another hugely fulfilling season, where they competed valiantly on all fronts.
Barker’s men reached a first-ever MTN8 final, enjoyed a brilliant CAF Confederation Cup adventure that ran all the way to the semi-finals and secured third place in the Premiership yet again.
