Milford FC coach Xanti Pupuma believes their performance against defending champions Orlando Pirates in their Betway Premiership opener laid the foundation for the impressive start they have made to life in the topflight.
The league newcomers began the campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
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Despite the result, Pupuma was encouraged by his side’s display, particularly their ability to dominate possession for large periods of the match.
He feels that performance gave Milford the belief that they can compete at this level. The Stallions have since won three, drawn two and lost two of their opening seven matches, leaving them fifth in the standings with 11 points.
“More than anything, I would say the first game against Orlando Pirates gave us the confidence and the belief that we can actually compete in the division,” said Pupuma.
“I mean, we played against the league champs and we showed up. We dominated the ball and we gave them a headache and they were stressed. Then we just built everything on that.
“Fortunately for me, these boys have been together. They would do anything for each other. For a long time, it’s easy to coach them.
“It’s very easy for them to understand me. This is now the second full season with them. We’ve had half-seasons before, so they know what I want, how I want us to play.
“The sessions that we do with them during training, they prepare for these kinds of situations. For them to come and show up, I mean, I don’t know how many men of the men’s team they’ve been getting. And it’s all these youngsters, which makes me very, very happy.”
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