An early goal from Polokwane City’s striker Siphesihle Nzimande, who headed in a great winner against Roses United, has secured his team a place in the lucrative PSL for next season.
With Mpumalanga Black Aces and Thanda Royal Zulu playing to a 1-1 draw, City was crowned NFD champions, while Santos and Aces join Chippa United in the Play-Offs.
A few months ago Umlilo was struck by a terrible tragedy following the loss of four players in a bus accident but they recovered, going on an amazing run of victories, which ultimately ended in them returning to the top flight for the first time since 2008/09 - when the team played under the banner of Bay United.
In what was an afternoon of mixed emotions, as Santos tried to better City’s goal difference in their tussle with Jomo Cosmos but in the end The People’s Team could only net two penalties, both scored by Nasief Morris.
Fifth-placed Milano United were hammered 4-0 by African Warriors at Charles Mopeli where the veteran Brice Aka hit a double brace to bring his total to 12 goals, two behind Thanda’s Nkosinathi Mthiyane and Lesvin Stoffels of Milano - who share the NFD Golden Boot award.
FC Cape Town were held to a 1-1 draw by relegated Dynamos but another Cape team, Vasco da Gama, put the final nail in FCAK’s coffin - winning 2-0 at Eldorado Park.
FC AK will play in the Safa Second Division for 2013/14.