“We Are Not Here To Donate Points”: Milford Warn Rusty Pirates Ahead Of Glamour Clash
Promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC aim to capitalize on a potentially rusty Orlando Pirates in their 2026/27 Betway Premiership opener, with assistant coach Nkululeko Buthelezi declaring his side will not travel to Soweto merely to “donate points.”
Assistant coach Buthelezi insists his squad is primed for a massive arm-wrestle at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
This marks the first official meeting between the two clubs. Milford previously made headlines in 2024 after knocking out Kaizer Chiefs in a memorable Nedbank Cup upset.
While the Buccaneers fine-tuned their pre-season preparation in Spain, Milford had little rest following a taxing promotional playoff campaign in June.
The KwaZulu-Natal side reached the final of the KZN Premier’s Cup this past weekend—a pre-season tournament backed by the provincial sports department—before falling to AmaZulu at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Despite that final defeat, Buthelezi believes the intense run of games gives his side match fitness heading into Soweto.
“Since we are going to play against Orlando Pirates, I think we are ready,” said Buthelezi. “I’m not saying we are going to beat Pirates, but based on how we are testing ourselves and how far we have come, I think we are ready to compete with everyone in the Betway Premiership.”
Orlando Pirates—who pipped Mamelodi Sundowns to the league title last season to end a 14-year championship drought—were caught cold in their 2025/26 opening fixture, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United due to a lack of match sharpness.
However, that setback was the last time the Buccaneers lost on home soil before going on to lift the trophy. The Champions will also begin their defense without star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng, following his off-season transfer to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after a stellar treble-winning campaign.
Given Pirates’ formidable home record in Orlando—where the likes of other KZN sides AmaZulu and Golden Arrows conceded eight goals between them last term—the top-flight newcomers face a stern test.
Yet, Buthelezi remains unfazed by reputation.
“Pirates were the champions, but that is in the past,” Buthelezi added. “Everyone starts from scratch in this new season with zero points. We are not in the top flight to hand out free points; we are here to compete.
“Our players have been together for a while now, and as I mentioned before our Nedbank Cup run: when we want something, we go out and get it.”
