The race for promotion to the Betway Premiership remains wide open after Cape Town City secured a crucial 1-0 victory over log leaders Milford FC in their Promotion/Relegation Play-Off clash at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay on Saturday.
The Cape side arrived in KwaZulu-Natal under immense pressure after losing their opening two play-off matches. Cape Town City suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Milford in their first fixture before going down 2-0 to Magesi FC in Polokwane.
With many having already written off their chances, Cape Town City produced a spirited performance to keep their hopes alive. Therlo Moosa emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to silence the home crowd and hand his side their first victory of the play-offs.
A win for Milford would have placed them firmly on course for a historic promotion to South Africa’s top flight. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit had won their opening two matches, defeating both Cape Town City and Magesi FC by identical 1-0 scorelines.
Despite the defeat, Milford remain at the top of the standings with six points. Magesi FC occupy second place with three points, while Cape Town City are also on three points, with goal difference separating the two sides.
The final two fixtures of the play-offs are expected to determine which club secures a place in next season’s Betway Premiership. Cape Town City will host Magesi FC in Cape Town on June 10, before Magesi welcome Milford to Polokwane on June 13.
The winner of the mini-league will join promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship champions Kruger United in the Betway Premiership next season, while the remaining teams will have to wait another year for a chance to reach South African football’s elite division.