Milford FC secured a historic promotion to the Betway Premiership after holding Magesi FC to a 1-1 draw in the decisive final match of the promotion/relegation playoffs on Saturday.
The result was enough to send the KwaZulu-Natal outfit into South Africa’s top flight for the first time in the club’s history, while Magesi FC suffered relegation after just two seasons in the Betway Premiership.
With a place in the elite division at stake, both sides entered the match knowing there was no room for error.
Magesi Strike First
The hosts made the perfect start and opened the scoring after 14 minutes.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Edmore Chirambadare rose highest at the back post to meet a cross from Reagan van der Ross, powering a header into the bottom corner to give Magesi a crucial early advantage.
Chirambadare nearly doubled the lead midway through the first half when he unleashed a powerful effort from outside the area, only to see the woodwork deny him and Milford a further setback.
Milford FC had a golden opportunity to draw level ten minutes before the break when they were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the box.
However, Cheswyn Philander failed to capitalise as his spot-kick crashed against the crossbar, allowing Magesi to take their slender lead into half-time.
Milford Hit Back
Milford FC emerged from the interval determined to keep their promotion dream alive and were rewarded just before the hour mark.
Following a throw-in and a scramble for possession, Menzi Chili reacted quickest to a knockdown on the edge of the area and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to level the scores at 1-1.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in Milford FC’s favour, with the visitors growing in confidence as Magesi FC struggled to regain control of proceedings.
Substitute Mvelo Zikakayo nearly completed the turnaround late in the second half, firing narrowly over the crossbar after being picked out by Sifiso Mdluli.
Historic Achievement
As the clock ticked down, Magesi FC threw numbers forward in search of the goal that would preserve their Betway Premiership status.
Van der Ross, Mcedisi Vandala and Kgothatso Mariba all posed threats in the final third, but Milford’s defence stood firm to protect the result they needed.
When the final whistle sounded, jubilant scenes erupted among the Milford FC players, coaching staff and supporters as the club secured its first-ever promotion to the Betway Premiership.
For Magesi FC, the draw marked a disappointing end to their top-flight journey, with the 2024 Carling Knockout champions relegated after a two-year stay among South African football’s elite.
Milford FC will now prepare for their debut season in the Betway Premiership, completing a remarkable rise to the highest level of domestic football.
Betway Premiership 2025/26:
Champions: Orlando Pirates
Champions League place: Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns
Confederations Cup place: Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City
Relegated: Orbit College and Magesi FC
Promoted: Kruger United and Milford FC