Milford, Kruger United and Sekhukhune secure Betway Premiership victories

Milford FC moved up to fourth in the Betway Premiership after edging Golden Arrows 1-0, while Kruger United and Sekhukhune United also claimed victories on Saturday.

With South Africa’s top three clubs away on African duty, the league’s newcomers took centre stage.

Milford hold off Golden Arrows

Milford extended their unbeaten league run to four matches with a narrow win over Golden Arrows in the KZN derby at Princess Magogo Stadium.

The opening half was tightly contested, with neither side able to create many clear opportunities. Milford gradually gained control, however, and their pressure eventually produced the decisive moment.

Siphosethu Ndlabi put the visitors ahead in the 71st minute, calmly guiding a right-footed effort into the bottom corner after a neat move opened up the Golden Arrows defence.

Milford continued to search for a second goal late on, with Sicelo Masilela and Sifiso Mdluli both involved in further chances, but the visitors had to settle for a one-goal victory.

Kruger strike at the death

Kruger United secured only their second Betway Premiership win of the season by beating Chippa United 1-0 at Buffalo City Stadium.

The hosts had the better opportunities before half-time, with Goodman Mosele and Justice Figuareido both going close. Kruger also threatened, but Celimpilo Ngema sent a shot narrowly wide from inside the penalty area.

Chippa found it difficult to generate openings after the interval, while Kruger were unable to take their own chances through Sipho Sibiya and Ngema.

Figuareido appeared to have a late opportunity to win the match when he broke into the penalty area, but his effort went straight at Kruger goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

That proved costly for Chippa, as Sibiya controlled a cross from the right and fired into the bottom corner in stoppage time to give Kruger all three points.

Muzeu settles Polokwane contest

Sekhukhune United climbed to sixth in the table after Bethuel Muzeu’s stoppage-time header secured a 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in Polokwane.

The home side took the lead in the 30th minute when Oageng Phiri scored his first goal for the club with a composed finish. Sekhukhune held that advantage through to half-time.

Gallants improved after the break but struggled to turn their greater attacking intent into clear chances. They were level in the 78th minute when Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi spilled a cross into his own net.

Sekhukhune responded in the closing stages, with Muzeu heading in a cross from D’Angelo Kazeem in the 92nd minute.

The defeat leaves Gallants rooted to the bottom of the standings after another disappointing result.