Milford target derby points against Durban City

The fixture brings together two clubs who have shared the second-tier landscape, but will meet for the first time as top-flight opponents. 

Durban City secured promotion for the 2025/26 season, while Milford are playing their maiden campaign in the Betway Premiership after winning promotion last season.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Pupuma says there is already a sense of familiarity between the sides, despite changes to both squads and technical departments since their days in the second tier.

"It's an enemy that we know because we competed with them in the NFD before as much as their team is a bit different, their coach is different but I should think the principles are still the same. They know us, they know how we play so it should be an interesting game and I think they are in a good space. They did well in this game against an African opponent,” Pupuma said

“I can tell you it's gonna be a very interesting game, they are always nice games against Durban City, we've competed well and hopefully we'll show up."

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Pupuma has largely retained the core of the squad that helped Milford reach the top flight, while making targeted additions to strengthen the team. 

Among the new arrivals are goalkeeper Sanele Mthembu, midfielder Yanelisa Nomandela, Thabang Mabena and defender Mnqobi Mbhele.

The Milford coach says maintaining the team’s established identity has helped the newcomers settle, with the squad expected to operate according to the same principles regardless of who comes into the starting eleven.

"We know each other with the boys, we've been together for a long time. We probably have four new faces and it's guys that have been in football so they understand football,” the coach added. 

“So it's easy to have those kinds of relationships and we trust each other, trust is a word that is said a lot in the dressing room and we need to trust each other and trust each other outside the field and support each other in whatever that we do."