Milford FC’s squad continuity behind strong Betway Premiership start

Milford FC coach and chairman Pupuma believes the club’s decision to resist major changes after promotion has helped them make an impressive start to life in the Betway Premiership.

The KZN side are fifth in the table after four matches, three points behind early leaders Orlando Pirates. They added another point to their total with a draw away to Polokwane City on Wednesday.

Rather than overhaul the squad after securing promotion, Milford kept most of the players who had helped them reach the top flight. Pupuma believes that familiarity has given the team a clear understanding of his methods and reduced the adjustment required at a higher level.

“Most of them have been together for a long time so they kind of know each other and me being there also helps because now we’ve spent almost a season and a half together,”Pupuma said.

“So, they know my thinking, they know how we want to play and we train like this, we train to be under pressure so we don’t mind being pressed and being put under pressure and playing in compromised positions, we look to utilise and take the risk from such a position, so, we would play like this until the end of the season.”

The coach says Milford’s early results should not be taken as evidence that the team have already reached their full potential. Their opening four matches have produced a solid return, with the result at Polokwane City following a strong home record, but Pupuma believes there is still room for improvement.

“Considering we came through the playoffs, so literally we are the weakest team in the league and we’ve started okay, we’ve done well at home and now we’ve got a point away. If we can work on our home form and keep it like that I’m sure we’ll be okay,” the coach added.

Milford made only limited additions to the squad, bringing in approximately four or five players. The majority of their regular starters have now played together for close to two seasons, allowing the club to retain the principles and playing style that helped secure promotion.

“ I think the fact that we didn’t change a lot, I think we added like four or five players and most of the regulars have been playing together for almost two seasons and that makes it easy.

“The principles are still the same so it helps us to have that continuity and hopefully with time we’re gonna grow into the season and I’m sure my boys have started to believe that they belong here, they can compete with these guys and some of them it’s been their dream to play in the PSL.

“So, for them to come here and play like they did against Polokwane City, which I think was in the top 3 for a long time last season, I know how good they are. So, I’m really proud of them, really, really proud.”

Pupuma also pointed to the significance of his players competing confidently against a Polokwane City team he regards as a strong opponent. He said the performance had demonstrated that Milford’s squad could adapt to the demands of the Betway Premiership and challenge established top-flight sides.

Despite describing Milford as the weakest team in the division because they arrived through the playoffs, Pupuma said the squad were beginning to believe they belonged at this level. The club’s immediate focus is to improve its away results while maintaining the form that has given them a positive platform in their first season of top-flight football.