Pupuma Praises Squad Mentality Despite Top-Flight Debut Loss To Pirates

Milford FC coach Xanti Pupuma says his side’s mentality and refusal to be intimidated were the biggest positives he took from their 2-0 Betway Premiership defeat to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Pupuma’s side marked their top-flight debut with a loss to the Buccaneers, leaving the KwaZulu-Natal outfit at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table without a point after the opening round of fixtures.

Despite the result, Pupuma was encouraged by his players’ mentality and their willingness to compete against one of the league’s defending champions.

“I think, more than anything, it was the mentality and the fact that we refused to be intimidated,” he said.

“I already know the guys can play, and I trust they can play better than they did on Saturday. Our rotation and the way we occupied the midfield, trying to overload certain areas as we had planned, were positive.

“Our pressing was not up to scratch, but we’re still effectively in the middle of our pre-season because we started late. I think over the next few games we’ll improve in that area.

“We also need to work on Sicelo [Masilela’s] off-the-ball movement. He’s a very good striker, but he still needs to understand how we want him to operate without the ball. Those are all areas we’re continuing to work on.

“I was quite happy with how he performed, and, as expected, he created a few chances for himself. I just think the support around him in the final third could have been better.”

Milford will look to claim their first-ever Betway Premiership points when they host Siwelele on 12 August.