“It’s Pure Madness!” – Why Milford FC’s Coach Wants To Resign After Securing PSL Promotion
Milford FC head coach Xanti Pupuma described their promotion to the Betway Premiership as “madness” after a 1-1 draw against Magesi FC at Seshego Stadium on Saturday secured the KwaZulu-Natal club’s historic spot in South Africa’s top-flight football league.
Needing just a single point to secure automatic promotion, the KwaZulu-Natal side held a critical edge at the top of the promotional table before kick-off. Edmore Chirambandare handed Magesi an early lead with a first-half header, but Menzi Chili fired back with a stunning second-half strike to cancel out the opener and secure the vital point.
Pupuma admitted he never dreamed the club would reach the top flight so quickly after purchasing the second-tier status of Uthongathi FC just a few seasons ago.
“I don’t know, I will be honest with you,” Pupuma said on SuperSport TV.
“Right now, it is pure excitement for getting what we came here for. Probably when I’m sitting down on the bus towards Joburg, it will start to sink in.
“I have come a long way with this team, a very long way with my brothers. So, this is like a dream for us. We are going home for two weeks to try and digest it and really believe that we are in the big league. If I begin to think about it, it is madness. I still can’t believe Milford will be playing in the Premier League.”
Will Xanti Pupuma resign as Milford FC coach?
Pupuma, who initially stepped in as a short-term firefighter after the club parted ways with Mandla Qogi, credited the unbreakable bond he forged with the squad for their historic run. However, the tactician dropped a bombshell regarding his immediate future.
“I’m ready to resign, but I don’t think the boys will let me go,” Pupuma revealed.
“In fact, we had a conversation about it. They said maybe I should stay for one more season to help them settle in the top flight.
“We are currently waiting for Mike Gumede, who is busy completing his coaching credentials. Ideally, we don’t want to bring in an outsider. My aim is to allow the current staff to grow with the structure because they already understand our philosophy. Let’s see how it plays out. I have other responsibilities to consider, like my primary job and my kids, so I need to balance things out.
“We know the PSL is incredibly demanding. I will look at what works for me, and we will take it from there.”
