Stellenbosch sneak into play-offs, Magesi axed

Dramatic finish to NFD campaign see AmaZulu miss out

Stellenbosch sneaked into the promotion play-offs with a 1-0 win over the already relegated Santos at Athlone Stadium yesterday.

Mame Niang scored from the penalty spot to ensure that Stellenbosch joined Black Leopards in the play-offs later this month though Leopards lost 3-0 to Mthatha Buks in Thohoyandou yesterday,

Lidoda Duvha had already secured their play-off berth with a win at the University of Pretoria last Wednesday.

It was a dramatic finish to the National First Division (NFD) season as another Cape side, FC Cape Town, escaped relegation with a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu.

The loss for Usuthu meant the KZN side were overtaken by Stellenbosch at third place, and subsequently missed out on the sought-after play-off spot.

Elsewhere, Magesi were relegated yesterday, their 3-0 defeat to Mbombela United sent the Limpopo side back to the ABC Motsepe League after just one season in the NFD.

Thanda Royal Zulu, who were yesterday handed the NFD trophy having secured automatic promotion two weeks ago, beat Real Kings 2-1.

Leopards and Stellenbosch will contest the promotion play-offs against a side that will finish 15th in the Absa Premiership.

The play-offs will be contsted via a mini-league format on home and away basis.

The side with the most points will join Thanda in the Pre-Aubrey miership.

The tournament will run from May 31 until June 17.

The PSL will confirm venues.

Play-off dates: May 31; June 3; June 10; June 14 and June 17.