Milford FC: Late Radebe Strike Puts the Stallions on the Brink of Betway Premiership Promotion
Milford FC have moved within touching distance of a historic place in South Africa’s top flight after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Magesi FC in the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs.
The decisive moment arrived deep into added time at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, when substitute Khanyisani Radebe struck a superb half-volley beyond Elvis Chipezeze to send the home supporters into celebration.
A Win That Changed the Playoff Picture
Before kick-off, the match carried major promotion weight. Milford and Magesi had both opened their playoff campaigns with wins over Cape Town City, making this fixture a direct battle for control of the mini-league.
Milford’s victory lifted the KwaZulu-Natal side to six points from two matches. Magesi dropped to second with three points, while Cape Town City remained without a point after two fixtures.
For Milford, the result was more than another narrow win. It placed them in pole position to reach the Betway Premiership and potentially become the fifth team from KwaZulu-Natal in the top flight.
Magesi Had Chances, Milford Had the Moment
The match was tight, tactical and tense. Milford enjoyed strong spells of possession and looked dangerous on the counter, but Magesi created several threatening openings.
Siphosethu Ndlabi had Milford’s first notable chance in the 13th minute after leading a swift counter-attack, but he chose to square the ball instead of shooting, allowing Magesi defenders to recover.
Magesi responded through Diteboho Mofokeng, who fired over from a promising position, before Mcedi Vandala also failed to hit the target after meeting a dangerous cross from John Mokone.
Milford’s Sifiso Mdluli later came close when his teasing delivery drifted toward goal and struck the upright. Just before halftime, Vandala raced through for Magesi, but Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza produced an excellent save to keep the match level.
Radebe Delivers at the Death
The second half followed the same pattern: pressure, caution and missed openings. Magesi pushed for control, while Milford waited for moments to break forward.
In the 77th minute, Bulelani Sigomoshe almost gave Milford the breakthrough with a curling set-piece, only for Chipezeze to make a superb save.
Then came the defining moment. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Radebe reacted sharply inside the area and struck a sweet half-volley past Chipezeze. It was a priceless goal, not only for the scoreline but for Milford’s promotion dream.
What the Result Means for Milford FC
Milford now control their own destiny. With six points from two matches, the Stallions have given themselves a strong platform heading into the remaining fixtures.
Cape Town City must now win their remaining matches to stay alive, while Magesi need a response after failing to turn their chances into goals.
Remaining Fixtures
Saturday
Milford FC v Cape Town City FC
Venue: Richards Bay Stadium
Wednesday
Cape Town City FC v Magesi FC
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, June 13
Magesi FC v Milford FC
Venue: Seshego Stadium, Polokwane
Why Milford FC’s Rise Matters
Milford’s playoff run has added fresh drama to South African football. The club is not merely chasing promotion; it is attempting to write a new chapter for KwaZulu-Natal football and prove that tactical discipline, defensive resilience and late-match composure can carry a team to the biggest stage.
The win over Magesi showed exactly that. It was not a perfect attacking performance, but it was a mature one. Milford stayed alive in difficult moments, relied on Hleza when needed, and found a match-winner from the bench when the pressure was at its highest.
Conclusion
Milford FC’s 1-0 win over Magesi FC may become one of the defining results of the 2025/26 PSL promotion/relegation playoffs. Khanyisani Radebe’s late strike did more than secure three points; it pushed Milford to the top of the standings and placed the club within reach of a historic Betway Premiership promotion.
The race is not finished, but Milford now have the clearest path forward.
