Milford FC boss Xanti Pupuma promises stronger challenge for Orlando Pirates

Milford FC head coach and owner Xanti Pupuma says his team will arrive at their Carling Knockout Round of 16 tie against Orlando Pirates “with full force”, believing they have improved significantly since the sides met in the league earlier this season.

The two clubs were drawn together again at the tournament’s official launch and draw in Johannesburg on Wednesday, setting up another meeting after Pirates won their previous encounter in the opening round of the campaign.

Pupuma expects Milford to provide a much tougher test this time and says the team has learned from its first match against the Buccaneers.

“Hopefully we’ve learned our lessons from the previous game, and fortunately for us, we will have a ripple effect,” he said.

“Already in the first game, we had a few players out, so we had to adjust a few things. I’m not saying it would have made a difference, but now we’re going into this game with full force.

“We have adjusted to the division, and I think we are in a better space than we were in the first game. So hopefully, we give them a run for their money.”

The fixture brings together two teams who have made strong starts to their South African Premiership campaigns, despite their contrasting histories and expectations.

Orlando Pirates, the reigning champions, are second in the league table with 22 points from eight matches. Milford, playing in the top flight for the first time, have exceeded expectations and sit fifth with 12 points from their opening eight games.

Although Pirates have the greater pedigree, Milford’s form has made them a potentially difficult opponent in the knockout competition. The newcomers have established themselves as one of the early surprises of the season and have shown little sign of being overawed by the step up.

Pirates will retain the psychological advantage of being defending champions, while the tie will be played at their home ground, the Orlando Amstel Arena.

However, Pupuma has kept faith with a consistent tactical approach as Milford have adapted to the division. That progress has helped turn them into one of the league’s early high-flyers and gives the visitors confidence ahead of their cup rematch.

The Round of 16 encounter will therefore offer Pirates the chance to reaffirm their authority, while Milford will attempt to show that their first meeting was not a true reflection of their current level.