Pupuma Won’t Stop Being Gynecologist Even If Milford Is Promoted

Milford coach Xanti Pupuma insists he will never abandon his medical career as a gynecologist, even if he guides the club to a historic Betway Premiership promotion.

Pupuma, who notes that his squad is more unified than ever, currently has the Stallions sitting top of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional playoffs with a perfect six points from two matches.

They hold a three-point cushion over Magesi FC, whom they edged with a dramatic late winner at home on Wednesday.

Milford will host bottom-of-the-table Cape Town City FC at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex this Saturday in a crucial penultimate playoff fixture. The Cape side has endured a grueling campaign, losing both of their opening playoff matches.

Cape Town City faces a mountain to climb against an adept and determined Milford outfit that has its sights firmly set on top-flight football.

A victory over City on Saturday, followed by a draw against Magesi in next week’s away finale, will guarantee the Stallions automatic promotion to the elite league.

However, Pupuma’s dual life raises an intriguing question: given the immense, around-the-clock demands of both professions, can he realistically remain on the bench in the top flight?

“The arrangement with my siblings and the people in charge of the team was originally for me to do just one season,” Pupuma revealed.

“I don’t know if they will try to change my mind and force me to sit on the bench next season. But let’s see. When the season finishes, we will evaluate the plan. Depending on where we stand, we will assess the club’s needs and go from there. But I’m not going to stop being a gynaecologist, that is for sure.”

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Mntomuhle Khawula, is moving closer to fulfilling his promise of expanding the province’s top-flight football footprint.

With Milford inches away from securing promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the KZN Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture has launched a massive mobilization campaign across the King Cetshwayo District to galvanize local support ahead of the weekend clash.

MEC Khawula has been vocal about protecting and growing local football, stating: “In KwaZulu-Natal, we have closed the tap at the bottom this past season. We are not relegating any KZN team; instead, we are promoting.”

The province currently boasts four teams in the Betway Premiership. Three of those—AmaZulu, Golden Arrows, and Durban City—secured top-eight finishes to qualify for next season’s MTN8. Richards Bay FC, who finished in the top eight during the 2024/25 campaign, concluded their most recent season in 11th place.

Should Milford successfully navigate the final hurdles of the playoffs, KwaZulu-Natal will celebrate having five teams in the Betway Premiership next season.