Siphosethu Ndlabi of Milford FC scores the penalty during the PSL Promotion Playoff 2025/26 game against Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.
Image: Nic Bothma/BackpagePix
Cape Town City's bid to return to the Betway Premiership suffered a major blow when they lost 1-0 in the opening game of the promotion playoffs to Millford FC at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Millford have never previously beaten City after both their previous encounters in the league were draws.
The home team conceded after 20 minutes when goalkeeper Mickey van Hart brought down Mvelo Zinkakayo, who had sprung the offside trap with a well-timed run inside the box.
Van Hart was yellow-carded for his infringement, and the Dutchman could not redeem himself as Siposethu Ndlabi converted from the penalty spot for the visitors to seize a 1-0 lead.
Milford were certainly deserving of their lead, with the KwaZulu-Natal side posing a greater threat, particularly in transition, during the first half.
City coach Jan Vreman must have had some stern words for his charges at the interval, for the home team came out with much greater determination and purpose.
The Citizens forced a free kick on the stroke of the hour, close to the left corner flag, which allowed the impressive Gabriel Amoto to drill a flat cross into the heart of the Milford box.
Unfortunately, the training-ground set piece was scuppered when the referee obstructed the path of Dhakier Lee, who was in acres of space inside the penalty area.
Lee eventually managed to evade the referee, but the Milford defence had reorganised themselves by then and were able to block the former SA U-17 international’s shot at goal.
However, City were left to rue the miss of the afternoon when Emile Witbooi failed to find the net from close range.
Excellent build-up work on the edge of the Milford area between Jaedin Rhodes and Therlo Moosa saw their neat, close-range passing open up the defence to set up Witbooi.
But the Roc Nation Sports-backed teenage star could not convert the gilt-edged chance, as he shot straight at Milford captain and goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza.
Witbooi was replaced immediately, along with a host of further changes, but not even the introduction of former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Keagan Dolly could find the equaliser for City.