Cape Town City FC finds itself in a desperate fight to retain its Betway Premiership status, and in a significant development, the club has appointed former Ajax Cape Town manager Andries Ulderink as its new head coach to navigate the treacherous relegation/promotion play-offs.
The highly anticipated three-team mini-tournament, initially delayed by unresolved issues in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, is now set to commence next week, on Wednesday, June 11, and will conclude on June 28.
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The postponement of the play-offs stemmed from a dispute involving Durban City, JDR Stars, and Cape Town Spurs within the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
This restructuring of the league calendar means that the two National First Division (NFD) teams, Casric Stars and Orbit College, will begin their play-off campaigns later this week.
Contested League Outcome and City’s Arbitration Setback
Cape Town City’s presence in the play-offs is a direct result of a contentious league decision regarding a postponed match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows.
The fixture, which was halted at halftime three months prior due to lighting issues at Lucas Moripe Stadium, was controversially ordered to be completed last Thursday. The remaining 45 minutes saw the match end in a 1-1 draw.
SuperSport United secured a crucial point, elevating them to 14th position on the league table, while Cape Town City consequently dropped to the 15th spot, thrusting them into the play-off picture.
John Comitis vehemently challenged the league’s ruling, citing PSL regulations that stipulate such postponed matches should be completed within 48 hours with the same playing and coaching personnel.
City’s case was reportedly heard by arbitration on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. However, it appears the arbitration body ruled against the Western Cape based club, cementing their fate in the relegation battle.
The Opponents: Casric Stars and Orbit College
Cape Town City will face two determined Motsepe Foundation Championship sides. Casric Stars, a Mpumalanga-based club, secured third place in their league, while Orbit College, hailing from Rustenburg, finished as runners-up to NFD champions Durban City FC. These teams will undoubtedly view the play-offs as a golden opportunity to ascend to the top flight.
Ulderink Takes the Helm Amidst Slump
Having maintained their PSL status since acquiring the rights of Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2016, Cape Town City now finds itself in a precarious position.
Their recent slump has left the once-prominent club teetering on the edge of relegation, a stark contrast to their usual mid-table to top-half finishes.
To navigate these turbulent waters, Cape Town City has made a significant coaching change, appointing the 55-year-old Dutch tactician, Andries Ulderink.
The fifty-five year old joins the Citizens after recently leaving his role as manager of Royal Antwerp, bringing with him valuable experience from a high-pressure environment. His previous stint in South African football as manager of Ajax Cape Town will also be a familiar advantage.
A Call to Arms from Interim Coach and Club
Before Ulderink’s appointment, interim coach Diogo Peral, who took over following Muhsin Ertugral’s departure, had already issued a passionate plea to the club’s supporters to rally behind the team. Staring down the very real threat of relegation, Peral emphasized the unpredictable nature of facing lower league teams in the play-offs.
“Now is the time for us to stand together – players, staff, supporters, everyone,” Peral urged via the club’s media channels.
The club has also echoed this sentiment in an official statement, pleading for unwavering support from their fanbase:
“We’ve not picked up the results we wanted, and we go into the play-offs needing every one of you to play your part. Today we begin a new challenge.”
With a new coach at the helm and a clear call for unity, Cape Town City will be fighting tooth and nail to secure their Betway Premiership survival in the coming weeks.