Premier Soccer League Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza has congratulated Highlands Park on their promotion to the PSL by likening their triumph to that of Manchester City, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The Lions of the North secured promotion at the beginning of April after comprehensively beating the University of Pretoria 5-1, and thus ensuring a quick return to the PSL. Owen da Gama took over in September, five games into the season with the side struggling. Before Da Gama’s arrival, Highlands only had six points and promotion looked a long way off. The former national under-23 coach quickly turned things around for the side by amassing 53 points from 21 matches.

‘Congratulations to Highlands Park [on their promotion to the PSL]. I think you are on the same script as Manchester City, of doing it that way [securing the league at an early stage],’ Khoza said at the draw of the promotion/relegation playoff on Monday.

Questions on when Highlands will receive their NFD trophy have been raised and Khoza was quick to play down any suggestions that they will receive their trophy before the end of the season.

‘There is a question of should we give them the trophy early. No, there is a culture and tradition that on the last day of the season they will get their trophy. But in anticipation of that: congratulations!’

Da Gama’s side will now be looking to set a new NFD record of 71 points by winning their remaining fixtures.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix