Soweto, South Africa---Wiseman Maluleke scored a goal potentially worth $4 million (3.5 million euros) as Jomo Cosmos regained South African Premiership status on Wednesday after three years.
Cosmos will automatically receive a $122,000 TV-funded monthly grant as a top-flight club and winning the league and three cup competitions would lift earnings to the $4-million mark.
Owned and coached by South African football legend Jomo Sono, Cosmos defeated Moroka Swallows 1-0 in chilly Soweto to win a promotion-relegation play-offs series on goal difference.
Maluleke, who came off the bench after 10 minutes to replace injured Thato Sithole, ran on to a cross-field pass from fellow-substitute Pentjie Zulu and side-footed the ball past Serb goalkeeper Obren Cuckovic.
Already-relegated Swallows, who had Lerato Chabangu red-carded late in the opening half for a studs-up tackle, had more possession while Cosmos played a patient game before striking.
Victory through a goal scored 14 minutes from time gave Cosmos seven points from four matches and a plus-two goal difference.
Black Leopards also finished with seven ponts, but a plus-one goal difference condemns the side from north-east town Thohoyandou to another season of second-division football.
Swallows, formed 68 years ago in Soweto and never previously relegated, finished bottom with three points.
Comos will be desperate to ditch a 'yo-yo' tag after regularly gaining and losing elite status since the richest African national football league kicked off 19 years ago.
AFP
