Milford FC take confidence from Orlando Pirates defeat into Mamelodi Sundowns test

Milford FC head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma says his side have learned valuable lessons from their Betway Premiership defeat by Orlando Pirates as they prepare to face unbeaten Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The KZN-based club began life in the top flight with a 2-0 loss to the defending champions at the Orlando Amstel Arena earlier this month. The match was also the opening fixture of the season.

Although Milford were beaten, Pupuma believes the performance showed that his players are capable of competing with established teams at the highest level. Orlando Pirates scored their first goal in the 24th minute, but Milford kept the score at 1-0 until injury time, when the champions added a second.

The result remains Milford’s only defeat of the campaign. They have avoided losing in their next matches and currently sit fifth in the league standings with seven points from four games.

Pupuma said the display against Orlando Pirates had strengthened the squad’s belief before the difficult assignment against Mamelodi Sundowns, who have yet to be beaten.

“I think the biggest lesson is that we felt that we’re not far off,” said Pupuma.

“We’re not that far off from their level. We really did show up against Orlando Pirates. So, if we can have the same attitude, I know we have the quality if we can have the same attitude against Sundowns, we will give them problems.

“After all, you know we also have been playing soccer for a long time, and we know each other. So as long as we believe in ourselves and what we do, we’ll be okay.”

The Milford head coach’s assessment is based on the way his team competed against Orlando Pirates, particularly their organisation and ability to prevent the defending champions from extending their lead for most of the match.

That performance has become an important reference point for the Stallions as they prepare for another demanding league fixture. Pupuma said the key will be to reproduce the same attitude and trust the quality within his squad when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns.

Milford’s unbeaten run since the opening-day defeat has helped them move into fifth place, giving them seven points after four matches. Their next opponents, however, have maintained an unbeaten start to the campaign and will host the fixture in Pretoria.

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