Meet Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup Round of 32 Opponents Milford FC From KZN

• Kaizer Chiefs have been drawn in the Nedbank Cup against second-tier club Milford FC
• The family club is named in honour of the father of their chairman Dr Xanti Pupuma
• Milford FC call Richards Bay home but grace stadiums all across the KZN province

Football is an institution that celebrates those who put the game first.

Cup ties can often go beyond a simple result as they are an opportunity to stake a claim, reignite a forgotten purpose or cement a treasured legacy.

The Nedbank Cup has thrown out several ties that will see the country's biggest clubs against upstarts with grand ambitions.

Receiving a draw against the Glamour Boys is a podium-level reward for a fledgling club, and Milford FC are the ones aiming to topple Cavin Johnson's Amakhosi.

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Named after Milford Pupuma, the father of the Stallions' founder and chairman, the club are currently focused on giving aspiring footballers a platform to live their dreams. Dr Xanti Pupuma explained to Sports Brief the ethos of the club:

"Back in the 80s, my father owned his own team and coached it. That’s where the passion for football was born in the family. It has been passed on from generation to generation. His values and passion are the core fundamentals of Milford FC. This is our way of honouring him and thanking him for everything that he has done and is still doing for us, by making sure that his legacy continues and his name lives on."

Milford FC qualified for the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 by beating Upington City 2-0 and they currently sit 12th in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

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Dr Pupuma describes the season as one with a 'rocky beginning' that has seen positive progress after making some 'complex decisions'. Speaking on the challenge of facing Kaizer Chiefs, he said:

"Firstly I would like to congratulate Kaizer Chiefs on their impressive track record and established presence in the league. As an upcoming team, we are excited for the opportunity to compete against such a respected opponent. It is an honour to share the pitch with them. We are eager to learn from this match and use it as a stepping stone for our development."

The chairman, together with the coaching staff, has outlined a comprehensive training regimen that will see meticulous physical, mental and tactical preparation for their tie against Amakhosi. Head coach Nhlanhla Mhlongo is the man tasked with implementing this plan, and he shared his thoughts on facing Chiefs:

“I feel very excited and lucky to be drawn against a team like Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup. We believe that it will assist our players' confidence, which in turn is going to grow the Milford brand. What’s more important, is that we are going to give our best.”

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Away from intense scrutiny of the top tier, Dr Pupuma and the Stallions are taking a measured approach to their growth, focusing on player development, season-on-season improvement and increasing their supporter base through fan engagement.

The test against Chiefs is just one match along their path to prosperity where Dr Pupuma envisions a team identified by their attractive playing style, disciplined defence, teamwork and unity.

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