MILFORD ‘S PERILOUS TRIP TO HIGHBURY LAIR

CLOSED BOOK: The winner in this coast-to-coast encounter is as predictable as the winner of the Fifa World 2026…

By Masoja Cele

 Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC are bracing for a tough battle against Milford FC at the Nelson Mandela University Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday, starting at 15h30.

 Before the international soccer break, Highbury suffered a 2-0 loss to Venda FC at home. The Gqeberha team is currently fifth on the log just three points behind Milford.  Highbury, aka “The Yellow Nation”, are on 18 points while their Sunday opponents, “Stallions”, occupy second position behind Casric Stars.

 Highbury has vastly improved under the mentorship of the long-serving coach Kabelo Sibiya. The former Chippa United manager was instrumental in the team’s promotion to the championship with limited resources. He has now built a team beaming with confidence.

 This season they have strengthened the team with the likes of Samkelo Jali from Chippa United, Senzo Ndlovu from AmaZulu and attacking midfielder Olwethu Ncube from Lamontville Golden Arrows. Another notable signing is experienced centre forward Menzi Ndwandwe, from Magesi FC.

 Coach Sibiya has worked hard blending his new arrivals with long serving players like attacking midfielder Zukile Kewuti, left-back Matome Mabeba and Mohau Mokate.  They all played in the Premier Soccer League before.

 Though a bit premature to predict the Championship winner,  the Stallions are among the favourites to clinch the second-tier league.

 Under the guidance of owner-coach Dr Xanti Pupuma, Milford have won six, drawn three and lost two matches. They are now second on the log with 21 points. Coach Pupuma quit his reign as a coach last season after employing former Orlando Pirates DDC coach Mandla Qhogi. However, Qhogi didn’t deliver the goods, hence Pupuma resumed the coaching job, improving the team’s performance.

 The KZN team attacking midfield pair of Andile Zuma and Mjabulise Mkhize has been vital  in the engine room for the team. In defence, the team is guided by centre-back Thabo Xaba, who is partnered by Phakamani Ngxongo