Milford’s stability paying dividends as The Stallions edge closer to promotion

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit has enjoyed its strongest campaign since joining the Motsepe Foundation Championship, reaching the Nedbank Cup semi-finals while also securing a third-place league finish to qualify for the PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoffs.

Their performances have put them within touching distance of a place in South African football’s top flight.

As Milford prepare for another decisive playoff encounter against Cape Town City, Pupuma explains that in previous years frequent changes to the technical team disrupted progress.

"I think in the previous two seasons we had to change coaching staff, like the technical team mid-season. So continuation was key to this season. So I thought, with the powers that be, I thought they should give me a chance to see what I can do with the team," said Papuma

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"The boys have responded well and we sort of formed quite a tight bond, so we trust each other. When it doesn't work, we all suffer together. When we win, we enjoy it all together. So I think continuation is probably the key to this season."

Milford FC entered the professional ranks in July 2023 after acquiring the Motsepe Foundation Championship status of Uthongathi FC.

The club operates as a family-owned structure, with club chairman Dr Xanti Pupuma also serving as head coach.

Pupuma says the club will carefully assess the best operational structure should they earn promotion, particularly as he continues to balance football responsibilities with his career as a practising gynaecologist.

One of Milford FC’s proudest success stories is midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who developed at the club before securing a move to Stellenbosch FC.

Mthiyane has since established himself in the Betway Premiership and has recently been linked with a potential transfer to league champions Orlando Pirates, according to reports previously carried by SABC Sport.

Pupuma says Mthiyane’s journey is a reflection of what the club hopes to achieve, providing players with a platform to develop, earn opportunities at a higher level and raise the profile of Milford FC within South African football.