WeeklySA_AdminSHOWDOWN: Motsepe Foundation Championship leaders Milford FC welcome fourth-placed Hungry Lions to Richards Bay in a clash that could reshape the top of the log…
By Masoja Cele
Motsepe Foundation Championship leaders Milford FC will test the strength of Northern Cape ensemble Hungry Lions in a highly anticipated league fixture at the Richards Bay Sports Stadium.
Milford will arrive in devastating form. The Stallions have played seven matches, winning four, drawing two and losing once — that defeat coming against an in-form Kruger United.
They sit firmly at the summit of the log on 24 points and have been particularly dominant away from home, collecting three wins from their last five league travels.
Much of the progress is credited to owner-coach Dr Xanti Pupuma, whose return to the dugout has stabilised the team following the exit of former Orlando Pirates DDC mentor, whose tenure failed to yield positive results. Milford cruised past Highbury FC last week, securing a comfortable 2–0 victory in Gqeberha. Another win on Sunday would strengthen their position and keep pressure on close contenders like Casric Stars and Kruger United, both breathing heavily down the Stallions’ neck.
Pupuma, however, knows that winning matches alone will not be enough over the long campaign. He has emphasised discipline, dedication, and professionalism — on and off the field — as essential pillars of a title-winning environment. A complete team, he insists, requires players who embody these qualities consistently. The coach will be hoping for an improvement on their last showing, despite the win at Highbury.
In midfield, Andile Zuma and Mjabulise Mkhize are expected to dictate the tempo. The pair have long been Milford’s backbone, stepping up whenever the team is under pressure. New signing Cheswyn Philander, recruited from Stellenbosch FC, has added fresh energy to the attack. The former Stellies forward has shown glimpses of his quality in his first three appearances and is set to partner with free-scoring Menzi Chilli, who has already netted three goals this campaign.
Only five points separate the two sides heading into this intriguing encounter. Hungry Lions have collected 19 points from a possible 30, suffering defeats only to Kruger United and Casric Stars. Known as The Malapipes, the Northern Cape side are also strong travellers, having recently beaten Venda FC 3–0 and following up with a 2–0 win over The Bees in Nelspruit.
Under the guidance of Hendry Basie, Hungry Lions are firmly in the promotion race and will look to narrow the gap on the leaders. Their hopes will rest on the form of leading scorer Ronaldo Van Neel, who has three goals this season. Van Neel will be supported by midfield talents Zidane Francis and Tshidiso Masisi, both capable of unsettling any opposition.
With both teams eyeing promotion and boasting impressive recent form, a gripping contest awaits in Richards Bay.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
