Milford Eye PSL Promotion Playoffs Against Hungry Lions
Xanti Pupuma was left almost speechless when asked what it would mean to guide Milford FC into the PSL promotion and relegation playoffs — and potentially secure promotion to the top flight next season.
Milford, who enjoyed an impressive run to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup earlier this season, will play their final Motsepe Foundation Championship match against Hungry Lions FC at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Sunday.
As the curtain comes down in the 2025/26 season in the second-tier, the Motsepe Foundation Championship final round is strictly played simultaneously, ensuring no one is gaining an unfair advantage.
Milford currently sit second on the table with 53 points from 29 matches and requires only a draw to secure a playoff spot, as they are two points clear of their hosts heading into the decisive clash in Upington.
“Shew,” Pupuma told Sportswire when asked about the possibility of promotion.
“That is the goal; that has always been the ultimate objective since the start of the season. Everyone involved in football — the players, coaches, and management — wants to compete in the PSL top flight. Coaching is just part of the journey.
“We have already had a very successful season. Reaching the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup was a huge achievement for the club, and gaining promotion would be the perfect way to cap it off. It would probably be the best season in the club’s history.”
Pupuma admitted that promotion would bring major changes and new responsibilities for the club, but said the challenge is one the team is eager to embrace.
“It would be fantastic, but it would also mean a lot of hard work because many things would need to change. We would have to restructure several aspects of the club. But it is a challenge we are really looking forward to,” he added.
Milford FC bought their status from Uthongathi FC just ahead of the 2023/24 season, meaning Pupuma has taken them to the brink of the top flight in just their second year of existence.
Securing the second spot enters Milford into a three-team mini-league against the third-placed MFC side and the 15th-placed finisher from the Betway Premiership.
While Milford continue their battle for a playoff place, Kruger United FC have already secured automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership after wrapping up top spot with games to spare.
Milford will head into the encounter against Hungry Lions as favourites, having won their last three meetings against the Northern Cape side without conceding a goal.
However, Pupuma believes previous results will have little bearing on Saturday’s contest.
“Hungry Lions are a completely different team, especially with their pacey forwards,” he said on the club’s website.
“From a confidence perspective, though, those results do help, particularly the clean sheets. I think the players have done very well throughout the season.
“Maybe everything is finally coming together at the right time because we need a strong run, especially if we manage to win or draw this weekend and then prepare mentally for the playoffs.
“At this stage of the season, it is all about collecting points.”
