Milford coach Pupuma inspired by De Zerbi and former Sundowns boss Mngqithi

Milford FC head coach Xanti Pupuma says Roberto De Zerbi and former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi are among the biggest influences on his coaching philosophy after his side impressed in a 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.

Milford, who were promoted recently, showed considerable bravery in possession at a difficult venue on Wednesday, continuing to pursue an attacking, possession-based style against The Brazilians.

The Stallions created several clear chances and managed to restrict Masandawana in the most dangerous areas for long periods. However, a costly mistake just before half-time allowed Sundowns to take the lead.

Milford centre-back Vusumuzi Mthabela attempted to play the ball out from the back but was dispossessed on the stroke of the interval. Sundowns used the opportunity to break forward, with Iqraam Rayners applying the finishing touch from close range after receiving a square pass from Aubrey Modiba.

Milford struggled to maintain the same momentum after the break, as Sundowns regained control following the introduction of Teboho Mokoena at half-time. Antonio Van Wyk then secured a hard-fought victory for the home side with a second goal late in the match.

Speaking at the post-match news conference, Pupuma explained that his approach is shaped by a variety of coaches and ideas rather than one single influence.

“It’s a combination of too many people, look I mean you have to read, or maybe fortunately for me because I’m somebody that also likes books. So you have to enlighten yourself, see what other people are doing,” said Pupuma, who also serves as Milford’s chairman.

The 48-year-old said De Zerbi had been particularly influential in the way he plans training sessions and wants his team to progress the ball.

“I read a lot on what (Roberto) De Zerbi does. For me he’s the main person that influences how I conduct my sessions, you can see with the press coming from Liverpool where Jurgen Klopp was, reaching the opponent with the ball.”

Pupuma also highlighted the emerging ideas of Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, saying he studies videos of the German club’s training sessions.

“Xabi Alonso is also somebody who is coming through, also he has some interesting ideas, I watch a few videos in their sessions, see what they do. If you don’t enlighten yourself, you’re not going to get better,” he said.

At domestic level, Pupuma pointed to Mngqithi as a major influence. He praised the way Mngqithi’s teams operate and the messages he delivers, while expressing regret that the coach had left South Africa.

“Locally Manqoba (Mngqithi) is my coach, how his teams behaves, the message that he passes on, fortunately I’ve had the opportunity to be closer to him and it’s unfortunate that he has left South Africa, but we’ve got quite a lot of (good) coaches,” Pupuma added.

He also mentioned Simo Dladla of Durban City, particularly for the defensive organisation of his teams.

“Simo Dladla at Durban City, he has a very solid defensive structure, so you learn and take one piece there, one piece there and try to put it together for what you want to achieve,” the soft-spoken coach said.

Milford are fifth in the Betway Premiership standings after five rounds of matches.