Pupuma reveals Orlando Pirates defeat sparked Milford’s rise

Milford FC’s remarkable start to life in the Betway Premiership was built on belief gained from their opening-day defeat by Orlando Pirates, head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma says.

The newcomers, who reached the top flight through the promotion play-offs, are fifth in the standings with 11 points from seven matches. They have lost only two games since stepping up to South Africa’s elite division.

Their early-season form has exceeded expectations, particularly given the difficulties newly promoted teams often face as a campaign progresses. Milford strengthened their case with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Richards Bay, a result which confirmed they are competing at this level rather than simply making up the numbers.

Pupuma, who is also the club’s owner and a practising specialist gynaecologist, said the performance against Orlando Pirates had laid the foundations for what followed.

“I would say the first game against Orlando Pirates gave us the confidence and the belief that we can actually compete in the division and I mean we played against the league champs and we showed up,” he said after the Richards Bay victory.

“We dominated the ball and we gave them a headache and they were stressed and then we just built everything on that, and fortunately for me these boys have been together they would do anything for each other for a long time it’s easy to coach them.”

Pupuma points to established understanding

The coach believes Milford’s strong start has also been helped by the close relationship he has developed with his players. Pupuma said his squad already understands his expectations and the style of football he wants them to play.

“This is now the second full season with them, we’ve had half seasons before so they know what I want, how I want us to play and the sessions that we do with them during training they prepare for these kind of situations,” he said.

That familiarity, he added, has allowed the team to respond effectively when opportunities arise during matches.

“So for them to come and show up I mean I don’t know how many Man of the Match [awards] they’ve been getting and it’s all these youngsters and which makes me very very happy so South Africa gets to see the [Mvelo] Zikakayo’s, the [Cebolenkosi] Mthethwa’s and the [Phakamani] Jwara’s and all that there are still more that are coming and they can play they really can play.”

Milford’s results have given them a strong platform during the first round of the season, although the club’s ability to maintain that progress will be tested as the campaign continues.