AmaZulu see off Milford FC to retain KZN Premiers Cup title

AmaZulu underlined their status as KwaZulu-Natal’s leading club by defeating Milford FC 2-0 on Sunday to retain the KZN Premier’s Cup and head into the new season with silverware and momentum.

Usuthu, who finished fourth in the Betway Premiership last season, secured back-to-back titles in the provincial pre-season competition, finding the crucial moments in a final where the scoreline was more comfortable than the contest itself.

AmaZulu had reached the showpiece after overcoming ambitious ABC Motsepe League side Midlands Wanderers, using their greater experience to navigate a tricky semi-final and book a place in the decider.

Milford’s fearless run

Awaiting them were a fearless Milford FC, newly promoted to the Betway Premiership and rapidly emerging as one of South African football’s feel-good stories.

Milford had earned their spot in the final with an impressive victory over Golden Arrows, displaying the tactical organisation and discipline that had driven their promotion to the top flight and now carried them into a provincial final.

That same resolve was evident again on Sunday as Milford refused to be overawed by AmaZulu’s top-four pedigree, approaching the final with confidence rather than caution.

Milford matched AmaZulu physically for long periods and looked threatening on the break, using their energy and work-rate to keep the game competitive and to test the defending champions’ back line.

However, the difference in experience and quality eventually told. AmaZulu capitalised on the key opportunities that came their way, scoring twice to close out a 2-0 victory and successfully defend their KZN Premier’s Cup crown.

Statement ahead of new campaign

For AmaZulu, the result serves as more than just a pre-season trophy. It offers a timely boost heading into the new campaign, reinforcing expectations after a strong 2025/26 league season and suggesting that their recent signings are bedding in effectively.

The win also reaffirms AmaZulu’s position as the benchmark for other KwaZulu-Natal clubs, with the rest of the province once again left chasing Usuthu as the new season approaches.

Encouragement for Milford

Despite the defeat, Milford can take significant encouragement from their first appearance in the tournament.

Their progress to the final, combined with a competitive performance against the province’s leading side, points to a squad with the character and ability to compete respectably in the elite division when their Betway Premiership campaign begins next weekend.

Team manager Sipetuxolo Pupuma reflected on the disappointment of losing the final, but stressed the positives of the club’s debut outing in the competition.

“We played three games to get to the final, which was one more than AmaZulu, so it was a good experience for us,” Pupuma said.

“This was our first real experience rubbing shoulders with the big teams, and we played to our original style. Like I said, it is unfortunate we lost the final, but it was to AmaZulu. So, we have a lot to take away from this.”

Milford’s performances across the tournament suggest they will approach their first season in the top flight with confidence, armed with recent experience of testing themselves against established Betway Premiership opposition and the province’s reigning standard-bearers.