As one of the most in-form teams in the Motsepe Foundation Championship currently, Leicesterford City will take on Lerumo Lions in their latest league test as they eye up Milford and Casric Stars at the top of the table.

Leicesterford City have won each of their last three league obligations, with positive results against Black Leopards, Cape Town City and Highbury respectively.

The Mpumalanga side are scheduled to face Lerumo Lions in matchday eight on Saturday and currently sit in third position, four points adrift from the top.

Elsewhere, Casric Stars will hope to build on their 3-2 win against Hungry Lions last week when they face Highbury on Friday afternoon.

While Casric accumulated 17 points from their first seven matches, Milford trail the summit by one point and will be at home to Black Leopards on Friday as well.

Also, Cape Town City could record back-to-back wins in the Motsepe Foundation for the first time this season when they challenge The Bees on home soil on Saturday.

City bagged a 3-2 win over Midlands Wanderers at the Harry Gwala Stadium last weekend, a result that ended a two-match losing streak.

Fixtures:

Friday, 24 October

Highbury v Casric Stars

Milford v Black Leopards

Saturday, 25 October

Hungry Lions v Baroka

Kruger United v Gomora United

Cape Town City v The Bees

University of Pretoria v Upington City

Lerumo Lions v Leicesterford City

Sunday, 26 October

Venda Football Academy v Midlands Wanderers

After seven outings in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Cape Town City finally recorded their first win in South Africa’s first division following a 3-2 victory over Midland Wanderers on Saturday.

On the back of three draws and three losses in their opening six matches in the MFC, City saw out a 3-2 win over Midlands Wanderers at the Harry Gwala Stadium this weekend.

With the score level at 2-2 heading into stoppage time, Therlo Moosa handed City the winner late on as the former Cape Town Spurs striker netted his first goal in blue. The Citizens are now in 13th, with six points to their name so far this season.

#MotsepeFoundationChampionship - RESULTS:

Cape Town City, University of Pretoria and Black Leopards pick up maximum points in a high scoring day. pic.twitter.com/aJeGLnFKPx

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 18, 2025

Elsewhere, Leicesterford City made it three wins on the spin on Friday following their 2-1 win against Highbury at the Dobsonville Stadium.

The victory saw Leicesterford City accumulate 13 points from seven matches in third place.

Also, Milford’s four-match winning streak came to an end this weekend via an eventful 3-3 draw with Upington City at the Mxolisi Dicky Stadium on Saturday.

While the aforementioned side dropped to second on the log, Casric Stars slotted into the summit of the standings after winning a 3-2 battle against Hungry Lions on Sunday.

#MotsepeFoundationChampionship - RESULTS:

Lerumo Lions and Casric Stars picked up maximum points in their encounters. pic.twitter.com/GIGIIi53D0

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 19, 2025

RESULTS

FRIDAY, 17 OCTOBER

Leicesterford City 2-1 Highbury

SATURDAY, 18 OCTOBER

Baroka 0-2 University of Pretoria

The Bees 0-0 Venda Football Academy

Upington 3-3 Milford

Midlands Wanderers 2-3 Cape Town City

Black Leopards 3-0 Kruger United

SUNDAY, 19 OCTOBER

Gomora United 1-2 Lerumo Lions

Casric Stars 3-2 Hungry Lions

As a club still looking to bag their first victory in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Cape Town City will take on Midlands Wanderers on Saturday, while log leaders Milford hit the road to Upington.

With three draws and three losses in their first six MFC league ties, City are struggling to gather any kind of momentum in South Africa’s first division.

Following a demoralising 1-0 loss to Leicesterford City last time out, the Citizens will now face Midlands Wanderers at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday. While City are in 15th place, their next opponents have likewise battled to yield positive results in 14th and lost each of their last four league matches.

Elsewhere, Milford moved to the top of the pile last weekend as a result of a 2-0 win over Baroka at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on 11 October. Milford will now take on Upington City at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Saturday and could take their winning streak to five matches.

Also, second-placed Casric Stars will hope to keep up with the pace at the top of the table when they take on Hungry Lions at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.

Casric Stars will head into the new gameweek following a 1-1 stalemate with the University of Pretoria last week, with the latter taking on Baroka at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Saturday.

MFC WEEKEND FIXTURES

Friday, 17 October

Leicesterford City v Highbury

Saturday, 18 October

Baroka v University of Pretoria

The Bees v Venda Football Academy

Upington v Milford

Midlands Wanderers v Cape Town City

Black Leopards v Kruger United

Sunday, 19 October

Gomora v Lerumo Lions

Casric Stars v Hungry Lions

Milford FC moved to the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship this weekend, while Casric Stars dropped points in their latest fixture against the University of Pretoria.

As one of the in-form teams in the Motsepe Foundation Championship currently, Milford FC oversaw a 2-0 win against Baroka Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Saturday.

Sitting at the top of the log, Milford have now won each of their last four league assignments, with Casric Stars and AmaTuks sharing the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate at the Tuks Stadium on Saturday. Casric ended the latest game week in second spot, one point behind the new leaders.

Elsewhere, Highbury returned to the winning column this weekend following a hard fought 1-0 victory over Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday. After their 1-1 draw with The Bees last week, Highbury maintained a high place on the table and completed matchday six in third position.

Elsewhere, Venda Football Academy ended their three-match winless streak with a 1-0 win against Lerumo Lions at the Olympia Park Stadium on Sunday.

Venda jotted down defeats to Milford and Hungry lions during in the last three game weeks, which also included a 0-0 draw with Leicesterford City on 21 September. As it stands, Venda moved into 10th place on the standings.

In the other Sunday league tie, Midlands Wanderers and Gomora could not be separated in a 0-0 draw at the Harry Gwala Stadium. While Gomora occupy eighth position, Midlands Wanderers extended their five-match winless streak as they sit in 14th place after their sixth match.

MFC weekend Results

Saturday, 4 October

University of Pretoria 1-1 Casric Stars

Baroka 0-2 Milford

The Bees 2-0 Upington City

Hungry Lions 0-3 Kruger United

Black Leopards 0-1 Highbury

Sunday, 5 October

Lerumo Lions 0-1 Venda Football Academy

Midlands Wanderers 0-0 Gomora United

With the University of Pretoria recording five consecutive draws in the Motsepe Foundation Championship so far, AmaTuks will face stern competition in South Africa’s first division this weekend in the form of Casric Stars on home soil.

The University of Pretoria are in search of their first victory of the campaign and will welcome log leaders Casric Stars to the Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Following a 1-1 draw with Kruger United last time out, the Pretoria side are currently 10th on the log, with five points to their name so far. Casric on the other hand, lead the way at the summit of the table after their 2-1 win against Lerumo Lions at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium last week.

Elsewhere, second-placed Milford will go toe-to-toe with Baroka at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Saturday.

Milford are one of the in-form teams in the league after five rounds and will head into their next game on a three-match winning streak which includes a 1-0 win against Cape Town City in their latest fixture.

While Baroka are in 12th place after picking up just one win in five games, Milford are one point (12) behind table toppers Casric Stars and stand a good chance of leading the pack following the latest round of Motsepe Foundation Championship fixtures.

FIXTURES

Saturday, 4 October

University of Pretoria v Casric Stars

Baroka v Milford

The Bees v Upington City

Hungry Lions v Kruger United

Black Leopards v Highbury

Sunday, 5 October

Lerumo Lions v Venda Football Academy

Midlands Wanderers v Gomora

Cape Town City ended the latest Motsepe Foundation Championship gameweek without victory as the Mother City club remain without a win in South Africa’s first division.

The Citizens suffered a 1-0 loss against Milford at the Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday afternoon and currently occupy 14th position on the table.

City, who plied their trade in the Betway Premiership last season, are yet to bag maximum points in a game this season, as their form sheet consists of three draws and two defeats so far.

At the top of the pile, leaders Casric Stars claimed a 2-1 win over Lerumo Lions at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday. Casric have now bagged four wins from five matches, while they also jotted down a 1-1 stalemate with Baroka on 21 September.

Casric’s nearest competitors, Milford, are one point (12) behind the summit following their win over City.

Elsewhere, Upington City moved into third on the standings after their 2-1 win against Midlands Wanderers at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Sunday.

Upington City’s move up the log was supplemented by two consecutive victories, while Highbury moved down into fourth place following their 1-1 draw alongside the Bees at the Gelvandale Stadium on Friday.

Other than Casric, Highbury and the University of Pretoria are the only other unbeaten sides in the Motsepe Foundation Championship so far.

RESULTS

Friday, 26 September

Gomora 2-1 Baroka

Highbury 1-1 The Bees

Casric Stars 2-1 Lerumo Lions

Saturday, 27 September

Milford 1-0 Cape Town City

Venda Football Academy 1-3 Hungry Lions

Kruger United 1-1 University of Pretoria

Sunday, 28 September

Leicesterford City 1-0 Black Leopards

Upington City 2-1 Midlands Wanderers

Yet to lose a game in the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, Casric Stars and Highbury will hope to maintain their records going into this weekend’s list of fixtures in South Africa’s first division.

After four matches played in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Casric Stars occupy top spot on the table despite recording a 1-1 draw with Baroka last time out.

Casric Stars are now scheduled to face Lerumo Lions at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday afternoon.

As a team boasting an undefeated record, Highbury will take on The Bees at the Gelvandale Stadium in Friday’s adjacent fixture.

Highbury are currently in fifth position on the log following their positive start to the campaign. The Motsepe Foundation Championship new boys commenced their season with 1-1 draws alongside University of Pretoria and Kruger United before bouncing back with consecutive victories against Baroka and Midlands Wanderers.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-log Black Leopards will target their first win of the season when they take on Leicesterford City at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

With two points to their name so far, Black Leopards recorded a 3-0 loss to Casric Stars on the opening day, which was followed up by back-to-back stalemates with AmaTuks and Lerumo Lions respectively.

FRIDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER

Gomora v Baroka

Highbury v The Bees

Casric Stars v Lerumo Lions

SATURDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER

Milford v Cape Town City

Venda Football Academy v Hungry Lions

Kruger United v University of Pretoria

SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER

Leicesterford City v Black Leopards

Upington City v Midlands Wanderers

With another round of the Motsepe Foundation Championship concluded, the likes of Black Leopards, University of Pretoria and Venda Football Academy all recorded draws, while Cape Town City’s woes continued in South Africa’s first division.

Milford were the biggest winners during this weekend’s Motsepe Foundation Championship action following their 3-1 victory over The Bees at the Kanyamazane Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The victory saw Milford climb into second place on the table while the Bees slump down to fifth.

Elsewhere, table toppers Casric Stars dropped points for the first time this season after a 1-1 draw with Baroka at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Sunday.

Casric entered matchday four with a perfect win record to their name as Baroka accumulated just four points in ninth place on the standings.

Also, after a postponed fixture last time out, Upington City claimed a 1-0 win against Gomora at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium this week. The result saw the aforementioned outfit move into fourth position, while 12th placed Gomora are winless in their last three outings.

Elsewhere, Cape Town City continued their struggles in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after jotting down a 1-1 draw with Kruger United at the popular Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

As it stands, the Citizens linger in 14th, while Kruger slot into eighth place after their latest matchday four assignment.

Results

 

Saturday, 20 September
Midlands Wanderers 0-1 Highbury
Black Leopards 1-1 Lerumo Lions
Upington City 1-0 Gomora United
University of Pretoria 0-0 Hungry Lions

 

Sunday, 21 September
The Bees 1-3 Milford
Leicesterford City 0-0 Venda Football Academy
Cape Town City 1-1 Kruger United
Baroka 1-1 Casric Stars

The likes of Casric Stars and The Bees will once again target consecutive victories in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this weekend when they take on Baroka and Milford, respectively.

Casric Stars are the only side with a 100 per cent win record in South Africa’s first division so far, following victories against Black Leopards, Milford and Cape Town City.

This weekend, log leaders Casric will take on Baroka at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Sunday afternoon, while The Bees are scheduled to face Milford at the Kanyamazane Stadium on the same day.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship new boys last recorded a 2-0 win against Midlands Wanderers, which was off the back of a 2-1 loss to Leruma Lions in matchday two.

Elsewhere, at the bottom of the table, Black Leopards will host Lerumo Lions on Saturday, with Cape Town City taking on Krugersdorp United at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER

Midlands Wanderers v Highbury

Black Leopards v Lerumo Lions

Upington City v Gomora United

University of Pretoria v Hungry Lions

SUNDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER

The Bees v Milford

Leicesterford City v Venda Football Academy

Cape Town City v Kruger United

Baroka v Casric Stars

In news that made headlines in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this weekend, Cape Town City recorded their first defeat in South Africa’s first division on Saturday afternoon.

After draws against Venda Football Academy and Hungry Lions in their first two matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, City recorded a 1-0 loss against Casric Stars at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Highbury and The Bees pick up maximum points at home in their encounters in the #MotsepeFoundationChampionship pic.twitter.com/KMOAI33kT5

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 14, 2025

While City remained without a win in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Casric Stars bagged their third straight win in the league in the process and will remain at the top of the table until the next game week.

#MotsepeFoundationChampionship - RESULTS:

Casric Stars, Kruger United, Hungry Lions, and Milford record wins in their matches. pic.twitter.com/N5xTtKHRpG

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 13, 2025

Elsewhere, Milford made amends from their 1-0 loss last week with a 1-0 victory against Venda at the Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday.

In what was a tense game in the KwaZulu-Natal province, Milford broke the deadlock in the 88th minute and are three points behind the log leaders.

In Sunday’s action, Gomora United and the University of Pretoria saw out a 0-0 stalemate at the TUT Stadium, while Highbury bagged a 1-0 victory against Baroka.

Ending off this week’s list of fixtures, The Bees returned to the winning column with a 2-0 result against Midlands Wanderers at the Kanyamazane Stadium.

RESULTS

Saturday, 13 September

Cape Town City 0-1 Casric Stars

Lerumo Lions 1-2 Kruger United

Milford 1-0 Venda Football Academy

Hungry Lions 1-0 Leicesterford City

Sunday, 14 September

Gomora United 0-0 University of Pretoria

Highbury 1-0 Baroka

The Bees 2-0 Midlands Wanderers

With the latest list of Motsepe Foundation Championship fixtures on the way, Cape Town City and Casric Stars will headline this weekend’s action as the former Betway Premiership side go in search of their first victory in South Africa’s second-tier.

On the back of draws against Venda Football Academy and Hungry Lions respectively, City remain without a win in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season.

The Citizens will now face one of their toughest tests during the early parts of the campaign, with Casric Stars set to make a trip to the Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Casric Stars currently lead the way at the top of the table, after back-to-back wins against Black Leopards and Milford FC in their opening set of league assignments.

Elsewhere, Venda Football Academy will hope to keep up with the pace set by Casric Stars when they take on Milford at the Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday. Sitting in second-place, Venda will go into their next game on the back of a 2-1 win against Gomora United while Milford lingers in ninth place after their defeat to Casric Stars last time out.

Fixtures

Saturday, 13 September

Cape Town City v Casric Stars

Lerumo Lions v Kruger United

Milford v Venda Football Academy

Hungry Lions v Leicesterford City

Sunday, 14 September

Gomora United v University of Pretoria

Highbury v Baroka

The Bees v Midlands Wanderers

 

Back on Saturday 🏟️🔜

Get your tickets for City v Casric Stars now:

🎟️ https://t.co/ZI5pZinjqU#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/C86ncgucxk

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) September 8, 2025

 

Cape Town City remain without a win in the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship after recording a frustrating 1-1 draw with Hungry Lions at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday.

Following their 0-0 stalemate at home against Venda Football Academy last week, the Citizens struggled to get maximum points in Upington this weekend. Jaedin Rhodes gave his side the lead in the 55th minute, which was subsequently cancelled out by the hosts at the hour-mark.

#MotsepeFoundationChampionship - RESULTS:

Lerumo Lions take all three points in their encounter, while it ends in a two-all draw at the Tuks Stadium. pic.twitter.com/0OwbbuLaCH

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 31, 2025

Elsewhere, table toppers Casric Stars made it two wins from two games following a 1-0 result at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Casric steered two points away from second-placed Venda, who bagged a crucial 2-1 win against Gomora United at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Baroka, Venda FC and Leicesterford City pick up maximum points in their #MotsepeFoundationChampionship encounter. pic.twitter.com/fIutVnaNP4

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 30, 2025

Motsepe Foundation Championship new boys Leicesterford gained their first win in the league this weekend and secured a 1-0 victory against Upington City at the popular Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Also, Baroka were among the biggest winners in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this weekend as they jotted down a one-sided 3-0 win against Midlands Wanderers at the Mafori Mphahlele Stadium on Saturday.

This weekend’s action was rounded off with a 2-2 draw between the University of Pretoria and Black Leopards at the Tuks Stadium, while Lerumo Lions scored a 2-1 victory against The Bees at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium.

Results

Friday, 29 August

Casric Stars 1-0 Milford

Saturday, 30 August

Kruger United 1-1 Highbury

Baroka FC 3-0 Midlands Wanderers

Hungry Lions 1-1 Cape Town City

Leicesterford 1-0 Upington City

Venda Football Academy 2-1 Gomora United

Sunday, 31 August

University of Pretoria 2-2 Black Leopards

Lerumo Lions 2-1 The Bees

Upington City and Casric Stars were among the biggest winners during matchday one of the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship, which got under way this weekend.

To begin with, Upington City put four goals past Kruger United in a 4-2 victory at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Following a five-goal thriller in the first 45, the score ended 3-2 at the break.

Lesedi Motha added Upington City’s fourth in the 53rd minute to aid his side’s victory on home soil.

Elsewhere, Casric Stars claimed a 3-0 victory against Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Casric, who were top challengers last season, were led by goals from Decide Chauke, Simon Moukete and Tshepo Mohlala at the popular Limpopo grounds.

Also, former Betway Premiership side Cape Town City commenced their campaign in South Africa’s first division with a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Athlone Stadium.

Motsepe Foundation Championship new boys The Bees secured a 2-1 win against Baroka FC at the Kanyamazane Stadium on Sunday.

Baroka FC opened the scoring through Bonginkosi Makume after 30 minutes on the clock, however, The Bees replied through goals by Khayaelihle Xaba and Sicelo Masilela respectively.

RESULTS

Friday, 22 August

Gomora United 1-0 Leicesterford City

Highbury 1-1 University of Pretoria

Saturday, 23 August

Black Leopards 0-3 Casric Stars

Cape Town City 0-0 Venda Football Club

Milford FC 1-0 Lerumo Lions

Upington City 4-2 Kruger United

Sunday, 24 August

Midlands Wanderers 1-0 Hungry Lions

The Bees FC 2-1 Baroka

With the Betway Premiership in full swing, the Motsepe Foundation Championship will commence this weekend with a number of new clubs hoping to mix it up with some of the best sides in South Africa’s first division.

To begin with, the newly promoted Gomora United will take on Leicesterford City at the TUT Stadium on 22 August.

Gomora earned promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after winning the 2024/25 ABC Motsepe League national play-off. Their status was stamped owing to a 2-1 win against The Bees at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in July earlier this year.

As for Leicesterford City, the newly formed team bought their MFC franchise from JDR Stars following the conclusion of the 24/25 campaign.

Midlands United, who also gained promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, will do battle against Hungry Lions at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday, 24 August.

Also, The Bees are scheduled to face Baroka FC at Kanyamazane Stadium in the Mpumalanga Province. Then, Lerumo Lions, who secured the PSL status of Pretoria Callies, will face Milford FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

FIXTURES

Friday, 22 August

Gomora United v Leicesterford City

Highbury v University of Pretoria

SATURDAY, 23 AUGUST

Black Leopards v Casric Stars

Cape Town City v Venda Football Club

Milford FC v Lerumo Lions

Upington City v Kruger United

SUNDAY, 24 AUGUST

Midlands Wanderers v Hungry Lions

The Bees FC v Baroko

Everyone knows that the first step in building a house is to make sure the foundation is solid.

Therefore, it is impossible not to be excited about the appointment of Kwanele Kopo as the new head coach of the AmaTuks soccer team. As a coach, he does not believe in fast-tracking goals. Definitely don't expect him to make wild predictions about winning big at first. As a coach, Kopo abides by the simple principle, "We must win in life to win in football".

Ask to elaborate on what he means, he answered, "I see my role as a coach as the same as that of a father. Teaching football while simultaneously guiding players in other aspects of life. I focus on the holistic development of the person and the player.

"The guidelines for being a successful coach are humility, being a servant, a student, and a teacher of football. Putting others' growth ahead of your own.

"My immediate goal as AmaTuks' coach is to get the team not only to be competitive but also to play attractive football. But I am under no illusions. Changing the team's playing style and ensuring the team becomes competitive will be a challenge at first. But with support and patience, we will prosper.

'The ultimate goal is to get the team to compete in the Betway Premiership and to develop the AmaTuks Youth Programme and Varsity team to be the best in South Africa. It is doable as the infrastructure, expertise and support services at AmaTuks are second to none in South Africa."

When asked who influenced his thinking about how the game of soccer should be played, Kopo answers as follows, "Coaches Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt, both of whom I have worked with, are my role models. They are hard workers and serial winners, and I have learnt a great deal from them."

It is not surprising that Kopo is passionate about sport.

"My father was a rugby coach, and my eldest brother played football. At home, we had a huge yard, and my eldest brother's friends would often come and play soccer in our yard. That's when I started playing and fell in love with the game. The first club I played for was Try More FC in Langa, Eastern Cape. I played against older kids, and I returned home bloodied after my first game."

"When I completed matric, I went to study at Wits University. At the time, I was an intelligent central midfielder with good ball retention. My passes were also hardly ever intercepted.

"The university coaches deemed me physically too small to play in the central midfield. I changed to play at right wing, where I had good speed and a knack for scoring goals. While I was progressing very well, I unfortunately got injured and had to retire.

"But I was not going to quit on football. I initially decided to work in football as an administrator. Later, I began coaching. I started shadowing my Wits FC Reserves team coach, John Lathan, to gain more knowledge. From there, I went on to start coaching our university residence ladies' team, and I've grown from that point."

With the PSL’s Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs set to get under way on Wednesday when Orbit College host Casric Stars, we look back at how teams promoted through the post-season competition have fared down the years.

It used to be a regular occurrence for a second-tier side to win the play-offs, and while that is less of the case these days, Orbit College and Casric Stars will be dreaming of a place in the Betway Premiership.

But as history shows, once they gain promotion, often the hard work begins there.

2004-05

Tembisa Classic

Promotion was won in what was then a four-team playoff with Classic beating Hellenic over two legs in the final to go up. Classic was sold after only two months in the topflight to Maritzburg United, who had to compete for the rest of that season as Maritzburg Classic before they could change their name. Ironically Maritzburg now find themselves in the playoff quagmire.

2005-06

Benoni Premier United

Businessman Dumisani Ndlovu bought the franchise of Hellenic and had Benoni promoted by beating Vasco da Gama 1-0 on aggregate over two legs in their playoff final, scoring the winner four minutes from the end of the second leg. In 2007 Benoni sold to Thanda Royal Zulu and the name change was agreed within weeks of the 2007-08 season kicking off.

2007-08

Bay United

They edged FC AK in their two-legged playoff final to gain promotion but they won only five matches in their debut top flight campaign and finished bottom. The costs of running the club proved too much for owner Sipho Pityana who sold it to Johnny Mogaladi, whose Polokwane City returned to the Betway Premiership in 2023-24.

2008-09

Mpumalanga Black Aces

Won dramatically against Thana Royal Zulu in the playoff final to go up but finished second last the next season and had to return to the Play-Offs, when they beat Black Leopards on penalties to keep up their topflight status. But they were relegated in 2011 when they finished last in the standings.

2010-11

Black Leopards

Beat Bay United in the playoff for promotion, returning to the Betway Premiership for the first time since 2008 and staying up for two seasons, finishing 14th in 2012 and then last in 2013.

2011-12

Chippa United

Came up as the three-team Play-Offs were introduced for the first time, finishing top of the table ahead of Santos and Thanda Royal Zulu. Chippa were immediately relegated back down again as they lost to Black Aces in the Play-Offs the next year,

2012-13

Mpumalanga Black Aces

Were back in the topflight after a two-year hiatus, finishing three points ahead of Chippa United and six ahead of Santos in the Play-Offs. Aces were seventh the next season, 10th the year after that and then fourth in 2016 before the franchise was sold to John Comitis and renamed Cape Town City.

2014-15

Jomo Cosmos

Won the playoff as they condemned Moroka Swallows to their first ever relegation but despite Jomo Sono’s promises that his team would never go down again, they went straight back to the National First Division the next season.

2015-16

Highlands Park

Romped through the Play-Offs against Mbombela United and relegated University of Pretoria to win their topflight place but found it tough among the big boys and were immediately relegated, only to bounce back the following campaign.

2017-18

Black Leopards

Stayed in the topflight for three seasons, finishing in 13th place twice in a row and then bottom.

2022-23

Cape Town Spurs

Stormed through the Play-Offs but then did not win any of their first eight Betway Premiership games in 2023-24. That was form that cost them as they were better in the second half of the campaign, but not good enough to stay up.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL), in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, is set to officially crown Durban City Football Club as the 2024-25 Motsepe Foundation Championship winners. The celebratory trophy handover will take place on Tuesday, 10 June.

Fans can tune in to the live broadcast on SuperSport PSL Channel (202) from 17h00 to witness the momentous occasion.

Durban City’s triumph marks a significant achievement in the club’s history, securing their place at the top of South Africa’s second-tier football division. The crowning ceremony will celebrate their hard-fought success throughout the season, as they now prepare to compete in the Betway Premiership next season.

The event promises a grand spectacle, with league officials, club representatives, and football supporters expected to join the celebrations.

Stay tuned as Durban City lift the coveted trophy and cements their status as the Motsepe Foundation Championship victors.

Durban City have been crowned champions on the final day of the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, relegating Cape Town Spurs while Orbit College and Casric stars secured their places in the PSL Promotional Playoffs.

Here are the results from the final round of matches in the #MotsepeFoundationChampionship. pic.twitter.com/2asJpVdOFF

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 18, 2025

Ruzaigh Gamildien’s header in the 45th minute proved enough to hand his side the win at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town against Spurs, sealing the title for Durban City with all three points although they needed only one.

Durban City did not receive the trophy after their victory due to a case brought against them over the alleged use of an ineligible player. The case has yet to be settled by the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

The loss for Spurs sees them join Leruma United as the second team to be relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season, going down to the ABC Motsepe League.

Casric Stars secured third place and their spot in the PSL Promotional Playoffs, coming from one goal down to defeat Hungry Lions 2-1. They will join Orbit College in the playoffs, who finished second on the log with a 0-0 draw against Leruma United.

Kruger United narrowly missed out on a playoff spot after drawing 2-2 with Venda. They were up 2-1 before Venda struck back, and were needing Casric stars to draw or lose while they win in order to advance. However, motivated by the prospect of relegation, Venda fought back to go one point clear of Spurs and secure their place in the league for next season.

Upington City also secured their survival with a 1-0 victory at home over Highbury.

Despite defeating the University of Pretoria 2-1, Black Leopards narrowly missed out on a chance to join the top flight due to Casric Stars’ victory. They ended their campaign in fourth position.

Milford blew a one goal lead against Baroka to lose 2-1, meaning they end their season in sixth place while Baroka end in eighth.

JDR Stars ended their season on a high after two consecutive losses with a 2-0 win over Pretoria Callies. They end the season in seventh place, while Callies finish in 11th.

Results:

Black Leopards 2-1 University of Pretoria

Kruger United 2-2 Venda

Casric Stars 2-1 Hungry Lions

Milford FC 1-2 Baroka FC

Cape Town Spurs 0-1 Durban City

Upington City 1-0 Highbury

Orbit College 0-0 Leruma United

Pretoria Callies 0-2 JDR Stars

It has been the practice of the National Soccer League over the past few years to hand the Motsepe Foundation Championship Cup trophy to the team at the top of the division standings after the last match of the season.

Unfortunately, certain matters referred to by member clubs in the division to the prosecutor and/or disciplinary bodies have not yet been finalised.

It is not clear to the NSL how, and to what extent, these matters may impact the final standings in the division.

The league has decided to delay the Cup handover while these matters are being addressed by the appropriate decision-makers.

The NSL will use its best endeavours, to the extent permissible under the NSL handbook, to ensure these matters are finalised as expeditiously as possible and will keep member clubs informed

The champions, playoff participants, and second team to be relegated will all be decided in the upcoming final round of the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Sunday.

Kick-off for all fixtures is at 3pm CAT.

In the weekend’s biggest battle, Cape Town Spurs will look to escape relegation when they face title favourites Durban City at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Spurs sit in second-last place, level with Venda on points but behind by one on goal difference. They will be looking to do all they can to secure safety, while a draw would be enough for Durban City to claim the title and win automatic promotion to the top flight.

The teams that finish second and third in the standings will face off against the side that finishes second last in the Betway Premiership in the PSL promotion playoffs. With Orbit College guaranteed a finish inside the top two, Milford, Kruger United, Black Leopards and Casric Stars are all in with a chance of finishing third.

Casric Stars lead the way with 45 points after snatching a late equaliser against Venda at the weekend. A win against Hungry Lions in KwaMhlanga on Sunday would earn Casric Star a playoff spot.

Milford, who are on 43 points, need a victory against Baroka in KwaMashu and for Carsic Stars to lose and all other teams in the race to lose or draw if they are to end in third place.

Kruger United and Black Leopards are on 44 points each. Black Leopards will face the University of Pretoria at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo, needing a victory to secure third place unless Casric Stars lose.

Venda, who are level on points with Cape Town Spurs, will aim to ensure safety when they tackle playoff hopeful Kruger United at the KaNyamazane Stadium in Mbombela.

Orbit College could still be named champions if they defeat already relegated Leruma United at home in Rustenburg, Durban City fall to Spurs, and the six-goal difference between them and top spot is erased.

Upington City could be caught by Spurs and Venda and be relegated if they do not win their clash against Highbury at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington.

With both having secured safety in the NFD, Pretoria Callies and JDR Stars will be playing for bragging rights when they meet at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

FIXTURES:

Black Leopards v University of Pretoria

Kruger United v Venda

Casric Stars v Hungry Lions

Milford FC v Baroka FC

Cape Town Spurs v Durban City

Upington City v Highbury

Orbit College v Leruma United

Pretoria Callies v JDR Stars