Milford FC thrashed Richards Bay FC 5-1 in a dominant KwaZulu-Natal derby at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday, climbing to fifth in the Betway Premiership.
The newly promoted Stallions delivered their most emphatic performance of the season, capitalising on a red card and clinical finishing to overwhelm their provincial rivals. Richards Bay were reduced to ten men in the 24th minute when Lindokuhle Zikhali was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Siphosethu Ndlabi stepped up and coolly converted the resulting penalty in the 28th minute to give Milford the lead.
Zikakayo double sparks goal rush
Mvelo Zikakayo doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time (45'+1), finishing clinically to make it 2-0 at the break. He struck again nine minutes into the second half (54'), this time with Ndlabi providing the assist, extending the lead to 3-0.
Richards Bay pulled one back through Thabisa Ndelu in the 77th minute, but the response was immediate. Phakamani Jwara restored the three-goal cushion with a close-range finish in the 84th minute, before Jabulile Gxakoshe completed the scoring deep into stoppage time (90'+2) to seal a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
Stallions climb the table
The result lifted Milford to 11 points from seven matches (three wins, two draws and two losses), placing them fifth behind Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs. Richards Bay remained near the foot of the table with just three points from six games.
Promising start for promoted side
Promoted via the play-offs earlier this year after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Magesi FC, Milford have adapted quickly under coach and owner Xanti Putuma. This emphatic home victory against local rivals underlined their progress following a solid draw with Chippa United and a competitive showing against Sundowns. The Stallions' attacking fluency and ability to punish a numerical advantage marked a clear statement performance in their debut top-flight campaign.
Weekend round-up
Other weekend results included Kruger United's narrow 1-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Mpumalanga derby and several draws elsewhere, but Milford's five-goal haul stood out as the highlight of the round.