Bragging rights and a clear psychological edge were on the line in Durban as the KZN Premier’s Cup kicked off to crown a provincial champion.
The five KwaZulu-Natal sides in the top flight—Lamontville Golden Arrows, AmaZulu, Durban City, Richards Bay, and Milford FC—were joined by Midlands Wanderers from the First Division for an action-packed showcase.
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SBN brings you the coverage from a thrilling opening day at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.
Giant-Slayers Strike Again
Milford FC continued their reputation as giant slayers, dispatching Golden Arrows from the tournament with a hard-fought 1 nil victory. The Stallions introduction into top-flight football could hardly have started better. While it was a pre-season fixture, the confidence gained carries massive significance for a club preparing for its maiden Betway Premiership campaign.
The win offers a timely boost for coach Dr Xanti Pupuma, who has repeatedly insisted his team will remain faithful to their possession-based philosophy despite stepping up to the top division. Milford famously defied their ‘underdog’ tag during the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup when they eliminated Kaizer Chiefs on penalties. They reinforced that reputation last season by knocking out Sekhukhune United before eventually falling to TS Galaxy in the semi-finals. Looking ahead to their top-flight debut, Milford will kick off their 2026/27 league campaign against defending champions Orlando Pirates next Saturday, 01 August 2026.
Durban City Crash Out to Richards Bay
Under the watchful eye of chairman Farook Kadodia, Khalil Ben Youssef’s tenure as Durban City head coach suffered an early setback. Richards Bay held their nerve to edge Durban City 5–4 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a stalemate in regulation time. Indeed, the clash carried a higher intensity compared to the rest of the opening day clashes.
The Natal Rich Boyz broke the deadlock when Moses Mthembu coolly dispatched a spot-kick after striker Lundi Mahala was brought down in the box. Ronnie Gabriel cut a calm figure on the touchline as his side controlled much of the contest, but Durban City found a lifeline through an own goal by Lindokuhle Zikhali.
To manage player workload during pre-season, tournament organizers dictated that tied matches go straight to penalties. Richards Bay converted 5 of their spot-kicks to Durban City’s 4, booking a spot in the semi-finals. Looking ahead, the Natal Rich Boyz begin their league campaign at home against Polokwane City on Sunday, 02 August 2026.
AmaZulu March into the Final
Ten-man AmaZulu FC flexed their muscles with a dominant 2 nil showing over Midlands Wanderers to book a place in the final. Mlondi Mbanjwa opened the scoring after the Wanderers defense failed to clear, curling an effort that crossed the line despite goalkeeper Ali Mwirusi’s desperate scramble.
The Ugandan shot-stopper then committed a second error, clearing directly to Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. Coming off a 6-goal return in 16 topflight appearances last season, the Zimbabwe striker rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net.
Mbanjwa later received a red card for a reckless challenge on Orlando Pirates loanee Jabulani Mokone, but AmaZulu held firm. Athini Maqokolo nearly set up another goal for Nkosikhona Radebe on a late counter-attack, though the latter struck wide off the mark.
This victory sends Usuthu straight into Sunday’s final at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu against either Milford FC or Richards Bay. Arthur Zwane’s men officially start their league campaign away to Stellenbosch on 1 August 2026.