Pupuma remains unphased by Cape Town City defeat as Milford eye final promotion push

Milford FC coach Dr Xanti Pupuma didn’t seem too phased by his team’s loss to Cape Town City on Saturday and remained confident that his team can get promoted to the PSL. Milford suffered a setback in their promotion ambitions after going down 1-0 to Cape Town City in a tightly contested PSL promotion/relegation play-off clash on Saturday.

A late strike from Therlo Moosa proved the difference as City secured a vital victory that breathed new life into their campaign and tightened the race for a place in next season’s Betway Premiership.

Despite the defeat, Pupuma was far from despondent afterwards, insisting that one lapse in concentration, rather than a poor overall performance, cost his side the result.

“We switched off and didn’t pick inside the box, otherwise we had it under control,” said Pupuma.

For much of the encounter Milford looked organised and disciplined, frustrating City and limiting clear-cut opportunities. The visitors appeared on course to leave Cape Town with a valuable point before Moosa capitalised on a defensive error in the closing stages.

The result leaves the mini-league delicately poised heading into the final round of fixtures. Milford remain firmly in contention for promotion after earlier victories in the play-offs put them in a strong position, while City have now hauled themselves back into the race.

Rather than dwelling on the defeat, Pupuma was quick to focus on the bigger picture and the approach that has carried Milford this far.

“Play to win the game,” he said, when asked how his side would tackle the decisive final fixture.

The coach also dismissed any suggestion that Milford would alter their preparations following the loss.

“We will do the same things we have been doing all season … same routine preparation for away games with a bit more rest. They’re already motivated.”

Those comments reflect a squad that continues to believe promotion is within reach despite the setback. Milford have consistently punched above their weight throughout the season and know that their fate remains largely in their own hands.

While City’s victory has ensured a dramatic finish to the play-offs, Pupuma remains convinced that sticking to the formula that brought Milford to the brink of the top flight is the best way forward.

Milford now face Magesi FC in their final play-off match, knowing a positive result could secure a historic place in the Betway Premiership.