How Milford’s Pupuma is working to avoid second round pressure
Milford FC coach Xanti Pupuma says his side has set themselves up well for the second half of the Betway Premiership campaign, after an impressive start to their season.
The Stallions have collected 15 points from nine matches, losing only twice, to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
On Saturday they moved into fourth place after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal derby at King Zwelithini Stadium. That result also put them one point ahead of fifth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
Siphosethu Ndlabi scored the only goal late in the second half, handing Milford their first away win of the campaign.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pupuma said: “The aim and the plan were to have a good start, and fortunately for us, things have gone the way we would have hoped.”
“Hopefully, we can continue ticking the boxes that we wanted to tick and see where we are in December. Hopefully, we will be in a place where we don’t desperately need points in the second round because it gets tougher.”
Pupuma praised his players for the fearless football they have shown since winning the PSL Promotional Playoffs last season.
“I might sound like I’m being arrogant, full of myself, when I say I’m surprised by how we have played. I really think the players are doing what they are capable of. The team will continue because it has been together for some time.”
Having fought relegation in their first season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the coach knows the drill.
“Hopefully, we have learnt from situations like this,” he added. “Having fought relegation ourselves in the first season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, we know what to do in the break when you start the second half of the season. We know the target that we think should be safe.”
He sees a clear goal for December. “If we can get there by December, which is quite possible, that would take pressure off my shoulders as well. Maybe I can go back to the office and leave it to others to run the team.”
It is usually said that to avoid relegation scrap in the Betway Premiership, a team needs 30 points and Milford are already halfway there.
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