MILFORD FC looking to secure their play-offs spot as they stand to finish second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
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Cape Town City are on the brink of qualifying for the Motsepe Foundation Championship promotion play-offs, which is why they cannot afford to drop points when they visit Leicesterford City at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) in their final league match of the season.
City were relegated from the PSL top flight, the Betway Premiership, via the play-offs last season. That demotion left Stellenbosch FC as the Western Cape’s only representative in the top division.
Considering the club’s growth over the years – including winning the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout, now known as the Carling Knockout, while also challenging near the top of the standings in previous campaigns – their relegation represented a significant setback for football in the province.
However, chairman John Comitis accepted the club’s fate and immediately began rebuilding. City retained experienced players and added quality reinforcements such as Keagan Dolly and Dzenan Zajmovic, while continuing to invest in emerging talents like Emile Witbooi.
That blend of youth and experience has worked well for the Citizens, who now stand on the verge of securing a place in the play-off round-robin tournament set to run from May 26 to June 13.
City’s strong run of form in recent weeks has also coincided with the influence of coach Jan Vreman, who has successfully combined local talent with experienced overseas-born players such as former TS Galaxy striker Zajmovic.
The play-offs, however, will not be straightforward. Alongside City, the other team that finishes in the top-three in the MFC, besides champions Kruger United, and the side that ends 15th in the top-flight will all compete for a place in the Premiership next season.
Even so, City are expected to carry an advantage because of their previous play-off experience, despite ultimately suffering relegation last season. Players such as Jaedin Rhodes, Witbooi and Lorenzo Gordinho are expected to draw on that experience when it matters most.
Still, City cannot rely on experience alone. They will need a strong mentality and maximum effort from start to finish.
Milford could also secure a place in the play-offs if they beat Hungry Lions, although that task will not be easy. Hungry Lions are also chasing a late push for the play-offs and are level on points with third-placed City, trailing only on goal difference.
Milford, though, have gained valuable confidence this season following their impressive run to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, which included giant-killing victories such as their win over Sekhukhune United before eventually losing to TS Galaxy.
Coach Dr Xanti Pupuma would likely admit that his side initially suffered a dip in form after their memorable cup run. However, recent performances suggest they have regained momentum at the right time, which is why they are now on the verge of finishing in the top three.
A top-three finish for both Milford and City behind champions Kruger United would represent a major achievement for both clubs after the challenges they have faced this season.
But first, they still need to get the job done on the pitch by beating Hungry Lions and Leicesterford respectively.