Black Leopards secured their return to the Premiership following a 1-0 victory over Jomo Cosmos at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
A solitary goal from Karabo Tshepe on 25 minutes was enough to hand Joel Masutha’s side all three points.
Tshepe was unmarked when he directed Mwape Musonda’s cross home.
After beating Platinum Stars in their first promotion/relegation play-off tie, Lidoda Duvha twice drew 2-2, first with Cosmos and then with Stars in the return leg.
Heading into this match with five points, a win was always good enough for promotion, with Cosmos starting the day on two points, alongside Stars, also with two points from their two draws and a loss.
A huge crowd came out in support of Leopards, who were last in the South African top-flight in the 2012/13 season.
There is one final match in the playoffs, featuring Cosmos and Stars on Saturday, that has been rendered meaningless.
Stars will now take part in the 2018/19 National First Division with their relegation confirmed.
