Milford FC Coach and Chairman Dr Xanti Pupuma believes his side is fortunate to face Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in the season before they settle down and becomes the Sundowns everyone knows.
Pupuma adamant that his side wishes to face the Brazilians in one of their off days as he looks to cause an upset in the reigning African Champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns are currently on a record-breaking 32-unbeaten home run as they last tasted a defeat at home turf back on May 24, 2024, against Cape Town City.
Miguel Cardoso is yet to suffer a defeat at home in the Betway Premiership since taking charge of the Tshwane-based giants back on the 10th of December 2024.
I think initially when the fixture came out – Sundowns was game 5 which is the case.” Dr Pupuma told Journalist after a 0-0 draw against Polokwane City.
What I told myself and shared with the boys and management is that at some point we have to play them. It really doesn’t matter.
Maybe we are fortunate to play them now before they become the Sundowns that everybody knows, the African Champions.
Hopefully we can find them in one of the day offs, as they tend to have some day offs these days. Hopefully we are lucky and get them in their day off and get something from the game.
Pupuma to exploit Sundowns defensive frailties
Dr Pupuma revealed that he may need to alter some changes to the line-up that held Polokwane City to a 0-0 draw in Polokwane last week at the Old Peter Mokaba to contain Mamelodi Sundowns in their upcoming Betway Premiership clash.
It’s another away game, so we going to approach it like that – yes Sundowns doesn’t play like Polokwane City, so we have to adjust,” Pupuma told journalists.
Maybe change personnel there and there just to accommodate how they play and also remain dangerous.
But one thing I can promise you is that what we did here [against Polokwane City] and what we did against Kruger, we going to continue with it even its against Sundowns.
We going to try to have as much of the ball as possible. And look to exploit the space they leave behind.
Pupuma believes home form is crucial for Survival
Milford Chairman and head coach believes that collecting points at home will be crucial for his side as they bid to retain their status in the Betway Premiership.
“Considering that we came through the play-offs, so literally we’re the weakest team in the league and we started okay, we done well at home and now we’ve got a point away.
“If we can work in our home form and keep it like that, I’m sure will be okay.