MILFORD FC PROMOTED TO BETWAY PREMIERSHIP AFTER DRAMATIC DRAW TO SEND MAGESI DOWN
Milford FC has achieved a significant milestone by earning promotion to the Betway Premiership, following a nail-biting 1-1 draw against Magesi FC in their final playoff fixture on Saturday. This result means that Magesi FC will face relegation from the top division, a fate they now share after spending two seasons at this level.
This promotion marks a historic moment for Milford FC, as they prepare for their inaugural season in the top division of South African football, thereby adding another representative from the KwaZulu-Natal province to the 16-team league. They will be joining established teams such as AmaZulu, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Durban City, and Richards Bay.
Magesi, on the other hand, will undoubtedly feel disappointed by their inability to secure the victory that would have guaranteed their survival in the premiership after initially taking the lead in the match. The breakthrough for Magesi came from Edmore Chirambadare, a forward who previously played for Kaizer Chiefs. However, Milford managed to equalize in the second half, thanks to a crucial goal from Menzi Chili, which ultimately delivered them the vital point needed to top the playoff table.
Milford FC’s journey has been remarkable, particularly under the stewardship of their owner-coach, Xanti Pupuma. They first drew attention in South African football when they reached the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup in 2016. Following that, the club continued to compete in lower leagues until they acquired the status of Uthongathi FC, allowing them to rise to the second tier for the 2023/24 season.
Milford FC also made headlines when they pulled off a stunning upset in the Nedbank Cup in 2024, eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in a penalty shootout during the last 32 round. They enjoyed further success by reaching the semi-finals again in 2026, although they were ultimately defeated by TS Galaxy through another penalty shootout.
