The race for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership intensified this weekend as three of the leading title contenders—Milford FC, Hungry Lions, and Casric Stars—all secured crucial maximum points to keep their top-flight dreams alive.
With the business end of the season fast approaching, the margin for error has become razor-thin at the summit of the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Pace-setters Milford FC continued their impressive run of form to consolidate their position at the top of the log. Meanwhile, Hungry Lions and Casric Stars both showed immense character to navigate tricky fixtures and remain firmly in the promotion conversation.
In contrast, fellow title contenders Kruger United and Cape Town City FC lost ground after dropping vital points this weekend. Despite the setback, both sides remain within touching distance of the lead, as a mere three points separate the top five teams in what is becoming one of the most tightly contested NFD campaigns in recent memory.
Casric Stars returned to winning ways with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kruger United win at home on Friday. The victory comes after a two-match winless run in the league. In their past two games, Casric played to a 1-1 draw against Lerumo Lions FC and lost 2-1 against AmaTuks.
CASRIC STARS EYES DOUBLE GLORY: PROMOTION PUSH AND NEDBANK CUP SEMIS
The Mpumalanga-based outfit currently sits fourth on the log with 38 points, just a point behind third-placed Hungry Lions [39]. Meanwhile, the battle at the very top is a dead heat, with Kruger United and Milford FC occupying second and first place, respectively, tied on 40 points.
Casric Stars have been remarkably consistent this term, recording 10 wins, eight draws, and only four defeats in 22 matches. While their primary objective remains automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership, they are also chasing silverware in the Nedbank Cup. After a fairytale run to the semi-finals, Casric are set to face Durban City FC at the Chatsworth Stadium on April 4th for a spot in the final.
Elsewhere, Milford FC reclaimed the summit of the Motsepe Foundation Championship in emphatic style, thumping Baroka FC 5-0 on Saturday afternoon. The KZN-based side leapfrogged Kruger United following the rout, setting the stage for what promises to be a theatrical finish to the second-division title race.
In contrast, Cape Town City FC suffered a setback in their promotion charge after being held to a 1-1 draw by Venda FC. The Citizens currently occupy fifth place with 37 points, leaving them just three points adrift of the leaders. Further down the pack, the likes of Upington City FC and AmaTuks remain firmly in the hunt for a third-place finish and a ticket to the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs.
At the opposite end of the table, Baroka FC find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. Following a dismal 2025/26 campaign, the Limpopo-based outfit languishes in 15th place with 18 points from 22 games, while Black Leopards remain anchored to the bottom of the standings in 16th with 17 points.
FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES WING-BACK NETS FOR LEICESTERFORD CITY FC
Meanwhile, Gomora United and Leicesterford City FC played to a 1-1 draw at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday. Former Orlando Pirates wing-back Tebogo Tlolane scored his first goal in the NFD for Leicesterford after joining the club a few weeks ago.
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHDAY 22 RESULTS:
Friday, 21 March 2026
Casric Stars 4-0 Kruger United
Highbury FC 0-0 Black Leopards
Saturday, 22 March 2026
Venda FC 1-1 Cape Town City FC
Leicesterford City FC 1-1 Goroma United
Milford FC 5-0 Baroka FC
Sunday, 23 March 2026
The Bees 3-0 AmaTuks
Hungry Lions FC 2-1 Midlands Wanderers
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