Milford coach Xanti Pupuma has made it clear that his side knows exactly what is required when they host a desperate Cape Town City outfit in the penultimate PSL promotion/relegation playoff match on Saturday.
Milford made it two wins from two matches in the playoffs after edging Magesi FC with a late goal at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Khanyisani Radebe, who came on in the second half, capped off his impressive cameo by scoring the winner in the dying moments of the match, sending Milford’s players and supporters into wild celebrations.
The victory leaves Milford top of the mini-league with six points from two matches, three ahead of second-place Magesi and six clear of bottom side Cape Town City.
A win against City on Saturday would put Milford in a commanding position to secure promotion to the Betway Premiership ahead of next season.
“You saw the people who were here. It was enough pressure,” said Pupuma.
“Where we are and the kind of expectations we have created around the team, especially after the Nedbank Cup run, we have kind of put pressure on ourselves, and people expect us to perform.
“We are used to pressure. Hopefully, the boys can continue to improve and handle it well, and we know what we need to do. It is too close to let it go now.”
In previous seasons, Milford changed coaches due to a lack of results, including former Orlando Pirates development coach Mandla Qogi.
However, whenever the club found itself struggling, Pupuma was often called upon to take over the reins.
Pupuma, who is a gynaecologist and does not spend much time with the team during the week because of his medical commitments, believes the squad has built strong unity this season.
“In the previous two seasons, we had to change the coaching and technical staff midway through the campaign,” said Pupuma.
“But this season, the boys have responded very well, and we have built trust together. When things don’t work out, we all suffer together, and it’s the same when we win or lose.”
