Milford target winning return against Chippa United after Sundowns defeat

Milford coach Xanti Pupuma wants his side to respond to their 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns when they face Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday.

Milford were beaten at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, with Pupuma expressing frustration at several decisions made by the match officials. He was particularly concerned about Mamelodi Sundowns’ opening goal, scored by Iqraam Rayners, which he felt may have followed a foul by Aubrey Modiba on Milford defender Vusumuzi Mthabela.

Despite the result, Pupuma believes Milford’s performance against one of the country’s leading teams has given his players confidence. The coach said they must now use that display as a foundation for their meeting with Chippa United and return to winning ways.

“It’s very motivating, and I think that’s what we will take, that we can compete with the big teams. We played Orlando Pirates and Sundowns and we didn’t disappoint ourselves,” Pupuma said.

“Of the games we played, especially the home matches, we were able to get points on the board. For us being the new kids on the block, being the team that qualified for the playoffs, I really think we are doing OK.

“Obviously, we have to work on the final third. The difference between where we are coming from and the Premiership is that if you miss your chances, you will get punished. We have to focus on the final third and improve our play there.”

Milford sit fifth in the league standings with seven points from five matches. Pupuma, 62, said his team’s early-season objective was to make the most of their home fixtures while collecting whatever they could away from home.

“The requirement was to win home games and get whatever we get away, which I think we’ve done,” he said.

“Obvioulsy, we identify the games where we think we can get more than one point and be a bit more aggressive.

“But for now, it is to take care of the home games and see by December where we are.”

Chippa United will also be looking for a positive result, having yet to win in the Premiership this season. They have drawn three of their four matches and lost once before hosting Milford.

Saturday’s fixture will be Chippa United’s first home match of the campaign. The club had to move their previous games against Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay to alternative venues because their usual grounds were not ready.

The match against Orlando Pirates was played at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, while the meeting with Richards Bay took place at Dobsonville Stadium. The venues in kuGompo City and Gqebera were unavailable for those fixtures.

Milford’s challenge will be to convert the opportunities they create in the final third, an area Pupuma identified as separating their performances from the demands of the Premiership. Chippa United, meanwhile, will be hoping home advantage can help them secure their first victory of the season.