Ndlabi Penalty Gives Milford Playoff Advantage Against City
Milford gained an early advantage in the PSL Promotion Playoffs after beating Cape Town City 1-0 in the opening match of the mini-league at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.
The two sides entered the playoffs after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion two weeks ago, with Kruger United securing promotion outright by winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship title.
Both teams finished level on 54 points after 30 matches, but City claimed second place on goal difference, with Milford finishing third.
They were joined in the playoffs by Magesi FC, who finished 15th in the Betway Premiership standings.
Magesi’s place in the playoffs was confirmed despite beating Richards Bay in Saturday’s Betway Premiership season finale.
Milford struck first in the 24th minute when Siphosethu Ndlabi converted from the penalty spot after Cape Town City goalkeeper Darren Keet rushed off his line and brought down Mvelo Zikakayo.
It was a deserved lead for Milford, who looked the better side throughout much of the contest, while goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza was largely untroubled.
City appeared to lack composure and experience, something perhaps understandable after suffering relegation from the top flight at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Following relegation, the club released several experienced players because of financial constraints in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, although they still managed to fight their way into a playoff spot.
City were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when Thero Moosa held off his marker before setting up Emile Witbooi, but the youngster, with only the goalkeeper to beat, fired straight at Hleza.
City coach Jan Vreman immediately substituted Witbooi, although it was unclear whether the decision was influenced by the missed chance or simply fatigue around the hour mark.
Margins are always small in playoff matches, especially after a poor start.
As the game opened up late on, Jabulile Gxakoshe squandered another opportunity for Milford when he fired straight at the goalkeeper from an acute angle after City had committed numbers forward.
City chairman John Comitis cut a frustrated figure in the stands as his side suffered defeat at home.
Milford have now taken a major step in their push for promotion and will have an opportunity to strengthen their position when they host Magesi at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on 3 June. Before that game, Magesi will host City on Saturday.
