Milford FC embrace underdog role for Carling Knockout tie with Orlando Pirates

Milford FC midfielder Menzi Chili says his team will approach their Carling Knockout Cup last-16 meeting with Orlando Pirates as underdogs, but insists they are determined to take their chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

The KwaZulu-Natal club were drawn against the defending champions, setting up another contest with the Soweto giants after the teams previously met in the league.

Pirates’ experience in cup competitions gives them a clear advantage on paper, yet Milford will travel to Tuesday’s match hoping their recent form can help them challenge one of the continent’s leading clubs.

Chili acknowledged the quality in the Pirates squad but said Milford would not allow the occasion to create unnecessary pressure.

“We are going there as underdogs, no pressure whatsoever, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to go into the next round,” Chili told the Siya crew.

“It will be a different ball game since it is a cup game, but hey, the truth is nothing will excite you more than playing against the team of this magnitude.”

Milford have enjoyed a good run of performances in recent matches, and Chili believes they can carry that form into the knockout fixture.

“We’ve been having a good run. I believe we will take the same performance into that cup game and see how it turns out,” he said.

“We will do our best to try go to the next round.”

A different challenge

Milford have already faced Pirates in the league, giving them some understanding of what to expect when they meet again.

Chili nevertheless feels the knockout format will make Tuesday’s game a different test. The midfielder pointed to Pirates’ pedigree and greater experience in cup football, while insisting that Milford will continue to rely on their own style.

“Hence I’ve mentioned earlier that it will be a different ball game,” he said.

“They are one of the biggest and best clubs in Africa with too much quality. Yes, we know what they are capable of and when it comes to cup games, they have more experience compared to us.”

Despite the challenge, Milford do not intend to abandon their normal approach in an attempt to contain the defending champions.

“We’re going there to play our normal game, hoping for the great results,” Chili added.

The KwaZulu-Natal side will now seek to convert their confidence and recent form into a strong cup performance, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.