Milford FC chairman Dr Xanti Pupuma has explained why the newly promoted Betway Premiership side has opted against signing “big-name” players ahead of their debut top-flight campaign.
Milford were promoted to the elite league through the PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs after three seasons in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based side recently announced the arrival of four new signings as they look to compete with the top-flight big boys. The new recruits include goalkeeper Sanele Mthembu from Umkhambathi FC, former Black Leopards forward Thabang Mabena, midfielder Yanelisa Nomandela from Highbury FC, and defender Mnqobi Mbhele from Sinenkani FC.
Normally, newly promoted clubs tend to beef up their squads with players boasting top-flight experience. However, Dr Pupuma—who serves as both chairman and head coach—has explained why he felt it unnecessary to chase big-name free agents.
DR XANTI PUPUMA EXPLAINS WHY THEY DIDN’T SIGN PLAYERS WITH PREMIERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Dr Pupuma, whose current squad already features a core group of players who have earned promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, revealed that the decision was driven by a need for long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
“Most of my boys have been with me for a very long time from the ABC Motsepe League,” said Dr Pupuma. “So they are already in their 30s. So it’s either we refresh the team, or we go for somebody that has been in 10 teams and doesn’t have a team, the so-called free agents.
“We have identified these boys [new signings] during the season [in the NFD] that if we make it [gain promotion to the Betway Premiership], these are the players that we should try and get. Fortunately for us, I would say 95 percent of them that we had identified, we have managed to get. They suit the areas that we want to cover, and with time and a sort of transition into the system, they will adapt. Eventually, they will take over from the experienced players we have.”
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Dr Pupuma also threw his full weight behind his current crop of players, dismissing doubts over their ability to handle top-flight football.
“My players have been playing football for as long as they have been playing. Some of them have played more than the players who have played in the PSL. So I trust them. Even when we came up from the ABC Motsepe League when we bought the status of Uthongathi, my brothers will tell you that after the first game against Durban City FC, I was sitting under a tree and wondering if maybe my assessment was wrong to think that these boys can play professional football,” he added.
“After all, I realised that it was just a bad start because it’s the same players who have managed to promote the team now. So I completely trust them and believe that they will give everything – their best. They have the quality to compete in the Betway Premiership.
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