Historically, the balance of power has often tipped in favour of the PSL teams during the dreaded PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. This season’s three-team mini-tournament, initially scheduled to start at the end of last month, will now kick off on Wednesday in Rustenburg.
The play-offs were postponed due to unresolved issues in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, involving Durban City, JDR Stars, and Cape Town Spurs. As a result, the league’s restructuring has now set the stage for the two National First Division (NFD) teams — Casric Stars and Orbit College — from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to begin their campaign later this week.
Casric Stars, a Mpumalanga-based club, finished third, while Orbit College, based in Rustenburg, finished runners-up to NFD winners Durban City FC.
Over the past decade, top-flight PSL sides have managed to retain their league status in six of the past 10 seasons. Four seasons saw teams from the NFD secure promotion via these play-offs. Among recent notable upsets, Cape Town Spurs’ triumph in the play-offs three seasons ago earned them a place in the PSL, marking a significant milestone for lower-division sides.
As the play-offs loom, Cape Town City find themselves in a precarious position after finishing 15th in the Betway Premiership. City have maintained their PSL status since acquiring the rights of Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2016. Their recent slump, however, leaves the once-prominent club teetering on the edge of relegation.
When considering upsets in the play-offs, Maritzburg United’s fall from grace in the 2022/23 season underscores the risks inherent in this system. They finished 15th but were ultimately replaced in the top flight by Cape Town Spurs.
The last successful promotion via the play-offs occurred in the 2017/18 season, when Black Leopards seized their opportunity after Platinum Stars fell short. Highlands Park and Jomo Cosmos also achieved promotion in consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016) as NFD sides capitalised on the misfortunes of established PSL teams.
In the past decade, clubs such as Richards Bay, Moroka Swallows, and Chippa United have successfully fended off relegation during this intense mini-tournament.
Adding intrigue to the mix, Cape Town City have appointed new head coach Andries Ulderink to help steer them through these turbulent waters. The 55-year-old Dutch tactician joined the club after leaving his role as assistant coach at Glasgow Rangers.
His arrival marks a new chapter for City, although the newly formed coaching structure comes on the back of a season marred by inconsistency and a desperate battle for survival. As the premiership battle intensifies, Ulderink’s leadership will be crucial for a squad in need of revitalisation and belief.
The outcome of the upcoming play-offs could reshape the landscape of South African football as we know it.
