Milford FC Stun Richards Bay To Setup Final Clash with AmaZulu
Newly promoted Milford FC claimed another major scalp on Sunday, sending a firm warning to upcoming league opponents Orlando Pirates after beating defending champions Richards Bay 2-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium to reach the KZN Premier’s Cup final.
Milford had to fight back from a goal down to seal the comeback victory.
The division newcomers will now face AmaZulu in the final at 14:00 at the same venue in the provincial tournament backed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport.
Richards Bay, the defending champions, had reached the semi-finals after defeating Durban City on penalties in Saturday’s playoff match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. Milford earned their semi-final spot by edging seasoned top-flight side Golden Arrows 1-0 on Saturday. AmaZulu, who received a bye in the draw, defeated Midlands Wanderers 2-0 in their semi-final tie.
Richards Bay took the early initiative on Sunday. Philani Sithebe should have put Ronnie Gabriel’s side ahead early on, but fired wide from a tight angle.
However, Bay made their second opportunity count. Nqaba Sithebe rounded Milford goalkeeper Sphamandla Hleza and slotted the ball into an empty net to give Richards Bay the lead.
Milford responded swiftly as Sicelo Masilela made it 1-1, slipping the ball through the legs of Richards Bay goalkeeper Siphesihle Mtshali.
Milford’s Mvelo Zikakayo nearly put his side ahead shortly after, releasing a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that whistled just wide of the target.
At the other end, Bay were unlucky not to restore their lead when a first-time strike from Xulu slipped through Hleza’s hands and rattled off the crossbar.
With the game opening up at both ends, Milford took full advantage of their next opportunity. Zikakayo got his name on the scoresheet, unleash a stunning strike past Mtshali to give Milford a 2-1 lead.
Richards Bay pushed for a late equalizer and came agonizingly close when Thembela Sikhakhane’s header hit the upright.
Moments later, Sikhakhane was shown a straight red card by referee Eugene Mdluli for bringing down Zikakayo on a clear breakaway, ending Bay’s hopes of a comeback.
Milford now march into the final to square off against a fresh AmaZulu side waiting for the trophy decider.
