Milford FC aim to claim KwaZulu-Natal derby honours against Durban City

Milford FC coach Xanti Pupuma expects a closely contested KwaZulu-Natal derby when his side welcome Durban City to Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

The match will be the first meeting between the clubs as top-flight opponents, although they are familiar with each other from their time competing in the second tier.

Durban City secured promotion for the 2025/26 season, while Milford are in their first Betway Premiership campaign after moving up last season.

Pupuma believes that history should add an extra edge to the fixture, even though both clubs have changed personnel in their squads and technical teams since those previous meetings.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, the Milford coach said the sides still understand each other’s approach.

“It’s an enemy that we know because we competed with them in the NFD before. As much as their team is a bit different, their coach is different, I should think the principles are still the same,” Pupuma said.

“They know us, they know how we play, so it should be an interesting game and I think they are in a good space. They did well in this game against an African opponent.”

Pupuma added that matches against Durban City had traditionally been competitive and said Milford would need to perform at their best.

“I can tell you it’s gonna be a very interesting game. They are always nice games against Durban City, we’ve competed well and hopefully we’ll show up,” he said.

Milford have kept much of the squad that helped them reach the top flight, while also bringing in several players to strengthen the team.

Goalkeeper Sanele Mthembu, midfielder Yanelisa Nomandela, Thabang Mabena and defender Mnqobi Mbhele are among the new arrivals.

Pupuma said the club’s decision to retain its core group had helped the newcomers adapt, with the team expected to maintain the same principles regardless of which players are selected.

“We know each other with the boys, we’ve been together for a long time. We probably have four new faces and it’s guys that have been in football, so they understand football,” he said.

The coach also highlighted the importance of trust within the squad as Milford prepare for their latest top-flight challenge.

“So it’s easy to have those kinds of relationships and we trust each other. Trust is a word that is said a lot in the dressing room and we need to trust each other and trust each other outside the field and support each other in whatever that we do.”