Pupuma Is Not Fearing Pirates In Carling Knockout

Milford coach Xanti Pupuma has expressed confidence in his side’s readiness to face Orlando Pirates after the two teams were drawn against each other in the Carling Knockout Round of 16.

As a newly promoted side in the Betway Premiership, Milford faced Pirates for the first time in the league earlier this season, suffering a 2-0 defeat.

The two sides will now meet again, with Milford set to take on the defending champions in their first domestic cup competition of the 2026/27 season. The encounter will also mark the club’s maiden appearance in the Carling Knockout, giving Pupuma and his players an opportunity to test themselves against the reigning champions.

“We are kind of getting used to it,” said Pupuma.

“Hopefully, we can fix the mistakes we made when we played our first game against them. One thing is for sure: they will face us in a different space. We are a little bit more confident, and we are used to the system and the pace of the league. Hopefully, we can go there and really give them a game.”

Having featured in the Nedbank Cup last season while competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Milford enjoyed an impressive run to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by TS Galaxy.

Pupuma believes the experience gained during their Nedbank Cup campaign could prove valuable as they look to progress in the Carling Knockout.

“I am hoping that the experience we gained in the Nedbank Cup in previous seasons will help us progress in this competition,” said Pupuma.

“Cup games are different from league matches. We only have one chance, and they tend to be open. Hopefully, we can draw on the experience we gained last season, when we reached the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, and use it in this competition.”

Milford will return to action after almost four weeks of rest when they travel to face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.