Milford Target Promotion Despite Nedbank Cup Quarter-Final Spot, Says Pupuma
Milford FC chairman and coach Xanti Pupuma insists the club’s primary objective remains promotion to the top flight, despite reaching the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit produced an impressive second-half performance to defeat lower-division side Mkhambathi FC 3-0 at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in the Ke Yona Cup round of 16 on Sunday.
Milford will now await Monday’s quarter-final draw, but Pupuma emphasised that winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship remains the club’s main ambition.
Milford currently sit top of the standings with 36 points from 18 matches, three points clear of second-placed Kruger United.
“The Focus Is Always on the League”
Pupuma said while cup progress is welcome, it must eventually translate into promotion to the Premiership.
“The focus is always on the league,” Pupuma told Sportswire.
“The Nedbank Cup is a bonus for us. It allows us to give opportunities to players who are not regular starters, and we have been doing that.
“I’m hoping that continues because it helps the players stay focused and maintain their fitness.
“We don’t mind progressing, as it gives us more matches to use the squad. Hopefully, we can continue doing well in the Nedbank Cup while staying on track in the league.”
Quarter-Final Draw Awaits
The remaining teams in the quarter-finals include Golden Arrows, AmaZulu FC, Sekhukhune United, TS Galaxy, Casric Stars, Jacksa Spears, and Durban City FC.
With traditional cup heavyweights Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns — who have shared the Ke Yona Cup over the past four seasons — already eliminated, this year’s competition presents a genuine opportunity for an underdog to lift the trophy.
“I’m just hoping for a home game, that’s all,” Pupuma added on the club’s website.
“Anyone can come, as long as it’s a home draw. There are some strong teams left — Golden Arrows, AmaZulu are playing very well, TS Galaxy are also in good form — so we know it won’t be easy.
“You need a bit of luck to go that far. We are happy with where we are. We want to win the next game, and of course we play to win. But I cannot fault the boys if we don’t do well in the next round.”
