Reason behind Milford FC’s impressive start to topflight football explained

The KZN outfit sit fifth in the Betway Premiership standings after four matches, just three points behind early leaders Orlando Pirates.

Pupuma, who also serves as club chairman, resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes after Milford’s promotion and he argues this could be paying dividends. 

"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."

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The coach added that his charges had in fact not yet hit top gear despite impressive results, including a draw away from home at Polokwane City on Wednesday.

"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. 

“ 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."