Once upon a time in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), there was a man called Jomo Sono, who was the founder, chairman, scout, marketer and coach of his team, Jomo Cosmos. The soccer-loving public would also jokingly call him the team bus driver.
For many decades, Sono attained great success in the PSL, until he was officially relegated to the amateur ranks in the 2021/22 season. He has never returned. His club now plies its trade in the Gauteng Development League.
Now, some argue a similar tale is unfolding at Milford FC, with gynaecologist Dr Xanti Pupuma, who doubles up as the chairman and coach of the club.
Pupuma thrust himself into the spotlight in 2024 when he masterminded one of the biggest upsets in South African football by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in the first round of the Nedbank Cup.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit has since grown in leaps and bounds, managing to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership this season. This means Pupuma’s schedule will be busier and tighter than ever, causing people to wonder how the gynae will manage to juggle his profession, and coaching and chairmanship duties.
“I’m trying, my brother, I’m trying to juggle everything. That’s why I was late here [Betway Premiership launch] because I had to attend the chairman’s meeting on the other side,” Pupuma told Sunday World last week.
“So, I have since come up with a plan to balance coaching and the medical side, and that plan is in motion.”
Regarding the day-to-day running of the club, the 48-year-old said that it is not as challenging as people may think, as his close relatives perform the day-to-day duties.
“There are people who run the team on a day-to-day basis, and for me, it’s just to sign the forms here and there and attend the meetings.
“But the club is run by the family. My brothers are in the team, my two sisters are also involved, and we just brought in my dad, who is now the CEO after we lost my brother. So yes, it’s a family-run team.
“And fortunately for me, I’m still working with the same guys that I was working with last season. So, that helps as well because the players know them; they know how I want things. But it was about the practice and now the coaching, because you must give more time.”
Regarding their style of play and identity, Pupuma said people can only expect exciting and position-based football, as they are not afraid to take risks in their mission to compete in the top-flight.
“People can expect exciting football. We are a team that likes to play and really love to have the ball. That’s what people are going to see, and that’s what I can promise you. A lot of risky moments because we take chances. We’re not scared, and we are going to really try to compete this season.”
The Stallions kicked off their debut Betway Premiership season against defending champions Orlando Pirates yesterday at a packed Orlando Stadium.
- Milford FC chairman and coach, Dr. Xanti Pupuma, a practicing gynaecologist, faces challenges balancing his medical career with his football roles as the club enters the Betway Premiership.
- Pupuma gained attention in 2024 after Milford FC's surprising Nedbank Cup upset over Kaizer Chiefs, leading to the club's rapid promotion.
- The club operates as a family-run entity, with Pupuma’s siblings and father involved in daily management, easing his workload.
- Pupuma promises an exciting, possession-based, and risk-taking style of football as the team aims to compete in the top flight.
- Milford FC played their debut Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium, marking a significant milestone.
Once upon a time in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), there was a man called Jomo Sono, who was the founder, chairman, scout, marketer and coach of his team, Jomo Cosmos.
For many decades, Sono attained great success in the PSL, until he was officially relegated to the amateur ranks in the 2021/22 season. He has never returned. His club now plies its trade in the
Now, some argue a similar tale is unfolding at Milford FC, with gynaecologist Dr Xanti Pupuma, who doubles up as the chairman and coach of the club.
Pupuma thrust himself into the spotlight in 2024 when he masterminded one of the biggest upsets in
“I’m trying, my brother, I’m trying to juggle everything.
“So, I have since come up with a plan to balance coaching and the medical side, and that plan is in motion.”
“
“But the club is run by the family. My brothers are in the team, my two sisters are also involved, and we just brought in my dad, who is now the CEO after we lost my brother. So yes, it’s a family-run team.
“
“People can expect exciting football. We are a team that likes to play and really love to have the ball.
