Isithombe PLAYMAKER Menzi Chili and teammates are close promoting Milford FC to the top table of South African football.
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
Milford FC are on course to earn promotion to the Betway Premiership next season, which is why they’ll be eager to claim another win in their play-off match against Magesi at Richards Bay Stadium on Wednesday (3pm kick-off).
Milford began their play-off campaign on a high a week ago. They beat Cape Town City 1-0 at Athlone Stadium, ensuring that they are just three matches away from earning their spot in the elite division next season.
Promotion to the elite division would crown an already impressive season for Milford. They enjoyed a strong domestic campaign, finishing third on the log, while also reaching the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
The loss in the Nedbank Cup seemed to have lowered Milford’s morale as they blew hot and cold in the league. But they did just enough to hang on to a play-off spot and could earn promotion barely five years after they were formed.
Coach Dr Xanti Pupuma’s men won’t have it easy. Magesi are eager to hold on to their top-flight status after avoiding relegation on the final day of the season ahead of Orbit College.
Magesi made Seshego Stadium a fortress last season, especially in the first half of the campaign. They seem hellbent on continuing that tradition in the play-offs after beating Cape Town City 2-0 in their opening match.
Given all that, their trip to Richards Bay will test their character, but given the experience in the team, they are widely expected to secure at least a draw.
Coach Allan Freese seemed to have lost his coaching touch when he took over the reins late last year, but he has done fairly well so far, ensuring that the team lives to fight another day.