“Proud Moment!” — Pupuma – Sportswire

Xanti Pupuma, the coach of Milford, was almost at a loss for words with pride after his team secured a coveted place in the PSL promotion and relegation playoffs.

This coastal team fought hard to earn a goalless draw against Hungry Lions in the season finale of the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Sunday.

Milford began the final match day in second place on the table but dropped to third after Cape Town City defeated Leruma United 4–2 at Dobsonville Stadium.

With league champions Kruger United having clinched automatic promotion to the top flight with ample games to spare, all eyes were focused on securing the second and third positions.

These two spots will allow the teams to compete against the team finishing 15th in the Betway Premiership for a chance to play in the elite tier next season.

“We are incredibly proud of our players,” Pupuma expressed on the club’s website.

“It was very challenging, and we always knew it would be tough. We complicate things for ourselves by not seizing our opportunities.

“In this division, every away match is tough. We take whatever we can get. We’re thankful for the point, and it doesn’t matter whether we finish second or third. As long as we’re in the playoffs, we will have another chance with the four playoff matches.”

The identity of Milford’s opponent in the top-flight playoffs will be determined this Saturday when the Betway Premiership concludes its final round of matches with simultaneous kick-offs.

Orbit College is currently in that precarious 15th spot on the elite log. Pogiso Mokhoye’s team faces a crucial final match as they host an Orlando Pirates side eager to claim the Betway Premiership title from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Like the Buccaneers, Orbit College must win at all costs on Saturday while hoping that other results go their way across the country. Ironically, Orbit achieved their top-flight status through these very playoffs last season.