Milford FC head coach Dr. Xanti Pupuma says he is proud to see Mthetheleli Mthiyane flourishing at Orlando Pirates after the club played a role in the midfielder’s early development.
Mthiyane’s rise has been a remarkable one, having started his career at Milford as a teenager in the amateur ranks before helping the club earn promotion towards the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The midfielder subsequently made the move to Stellenbosch, where he spent one season in the top flight before earning a dream transfer to Orlando Pirates at the age of 25.
Now established as an important figure in the Pirates midfield, Mthiyane has already made five appearances for the Soweto giants this season as he continues to make his mark at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
For Pupuma, seeing Mthiyane reach this level represents another example of the talent coming through the Richards Bay area.
“I’m actually very happy for him, I think when he came to us he was 17 or 18 – and I’m sure if you ask him, who gave him the chance, to be in the team and he’s doing well, we always knew he had the talent,” Pupuma said.
“It was a matter of being at the right place for the development. I’m happy he’s also taken his time, patient about his growth, I’m sure he will be the player we expected him to be.”
Mthiyane’s journey also highlights the importance of patience in player development.
Having progressed through the lower levels with Milford before making the step up to professional football, the midfielder did not rush his career and eventually earned his opportunity with Stellenbosch before making the biggest move of his career to Pirates.
Pupuma believes his progress can inspire other players from the region, with several former Milford players now making their mark in professional football.
“There’s a few Milford players doing well, Spha is doing well, he was with us at centre-back, Ncanana from Durban City, when I see these boys, I’m very proud that we contributed,” he added.
“Now that we’re here, you will see more of the local players from the Richards Bay area coming through the system and show everyone can play football.”