Milford FC targeting early safety as promoted side prepare for second-half test

Milford FC coach Xanti Pupuma says his side are ready for the increased demands that often await newly promoted teams in the second half of the season.

The Stallions have made an encouraging start to their Betway Premiership debut, taking 15 points from their opening nine matches. That record has established Milford FC as one of the division’s surprise packages and attracted praise from both opponents and pundits.

However, Pupuma is aware that preserving that momentum after the halfway stage will present a different challenge. The coach believes the club’s previous experience of fighting relegation in the second tier has given the squad a clear understanding of what is required.

“Having fought against relegation in our first season in the second tier, we know what is required to have a good second half of a campaign,” Pupuma said.

“We are trying to accumulate as many points as possible and we intend to reach our target for safety by December, and if we can do that then a lot of the pressure will be released and then we can set bigger targets.”

Milford FC’s latest result was a KZN derby victory against Golden Arrows at the weekend. The win provided another boost to a team that has adapted quickly to life in the top flight, while also giving Pupuma an opportunity to praise the quality available within his squad and across KwaZulu-Natal.

Pupuma backs KwaZulu-Natal clubs

The coach hopes Milford FC can continue competing strongly in the league, particularly when facing other teams from the province. He also believes the success of KZN clubs deserves recognition beyond the region.

“Hopefully we remain to be competitive in the league and especially against the KZN teams,” Pupuma said.

“It is very important for KZN clubs to show the rest of the country that it’s not by chance that our teams are doing well, not to mention there are a lot of players from other clubs who hail from KZN.”

Pupuma would like to see a KZN club win the league, and believes AmaZulu could make a significant impact this season after their impressive start.