Two up, two down in PSL

by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – MILFORD Football Club completed a remarkable journey to South Africa’s topflight after securing promotion to the Betway Premiership with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Magesi FC in the PSL Promotion Play-Offs.

The decisive result saw Milford finish at the top of the play-off standings, while Magesi FC were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after failing to retain their Premiership status.

The achievement marks a historic milestone for the Richards Bay-based club, which will compete in the country’s elite division for the first time in its history.

Founded in 2012 by Dr Xanti BS Pupuma, Milford FC have enjoyed a rapid rise through South African football.

After spending several years progressing through the amateur ranks, the club acquired the National First Division status of UThongathi FC ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The move provided Milford with an opportunity to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and proved to be a turning point in the club’s development.

Their promotion was confirmed in dramatic fashion when Menzi Chili scored the crucial equaliser against Magesi FC, ensuring the Stallions secured the point they needed to seal a place in the Betway Premiership.

Milford are expected to host their home matches at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay next season.

Joining them in the Premiership will be Kruger United, who earned automatic promotion after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship title.

Formed in 2023 following the acquisition of Caroline FC’s status by businessmen Bongani Wati and Basil Khoza, Kruger United have enjoyed an extraordinary rise of their own.

Having first secured promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, the club quickly established itself as one of the division’s strongest sides.

Rather than merely competing in the Championship, Kruger United dominated the campaign and finished top of the table with 62 points from 30 matches.

At the other end of the standings, Orbit College were relegated from the Betway Premiership after collecting just 24 points from 30 matches.

The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season will therefore feature two new faces, with Milford FC and Kruger United replacing the relegated Magesi FC and Orbit College.

– CAJ News