Milford FC secured promotion to the Betway Premiership on Saturday after frustrating Magesi FC to a 1-1 draw in the PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs and condemned the Limpopo side to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The contest at Seshego Stadium saw Milford cling at the top of the standings with two points clear of Dikwena Tsa Meetsi. It was a decider between the two sides after Cape Town City FC, the other team in these playoffs, saw their promotion bid end midweek with a draw at home against Magesi.
Milford arrived in Polokwane leading the table and needing just a point to gain promotion, but found themselves sliding down to second spot when Edmore Chirambadare thrust the hosts ahead 14 minutes into the match. Cheswyn Philander almost levelled matters for Milford, but was denied by the crossbar after attempting from the penalty spot in the 38th-minute.
However, the Richards Bay visitors managed to hit back through Menzi Chili in the 59th minute to reclaim top spot and confirm their PSL status. Milford will be playing in the top-flight league for the first time since their formation in 2012.
For Magesi, it was the end of their dance in the Betway Premiership, and they bowed out after battling against relegation for the better part of the 2025/26 season. After two terms in the top-flight, they go down with the 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup to show for their time in the big league.
On the other hand, Milford are now the fifth team from KwaZulu-Natal in the Betway Premiership next season. They join town rivals Richards Bay FC, AmaZulu FC, and Golden Arrows FC, as well as Nedbank Cup champions Durban City FC.
DR XANTI PUPUMA: THE GYNAECOLOGIST WHO GUIDED MILFORD TO THE PSL
Coached by Dr Xanti Pupuma, Milford arrive in the Betway Premiership having already created enemies. The Richards Bay gynaecologist helped his team knock Kaizer Chiefs out of the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup.
His side upset Amakhosi 5-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time. He has yet to confirm whether he will still be on the bench coaching in the PSL next season, as he tries to balance his medical practice and football commitments.
Dr Pupuma helped Milford finish third in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and earned themselves a playoffs spot. They then managed two wins, a draw and a defeat in the playoffs to top the group and claim a place in the SA ellte league.
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