Milford coach identifies area of improvement after Pirates thrashing in Carling Cup

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Milford coach pinpoints area of concern after Cup exit to Bucs

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Milford coach identifies area of improvement after Pirates thrashing in Carling Cup

Photo: Nic Bothma/BackPagePix

27.10.26 FT League Cup

Orlando Pirates

Milford FC

Milford FC head coach Xanti Pupuma has highlighted a major area of improvement after a thrashing at the hands of Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 on Tuesday night.

The Stallions fell to a brace from Tshepang Moremi and a strike from in-form midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi, with all the goals coming in the first half at the Amstel Arena.

Having given Pirates a run for their money in the league opener back in August, Pupuma acknowledges that his team proved easy to beat in the cup tie, with the high-line failing to pay dividends.

“We went through our first game with the guys and tried to identify the things we did right, and what we could have done better. Honestly speaking, I think our first game is better than what we did today,” said the Milford mentor.

"And somehow we did address some of the areas that we wanted to address, and one thing we said we're not going to shy away from is that we are a team that plays a high-line.

The Milford chairman has now set sights on improving the defensive structure in a high-line, noting that the break down in communication between the two centre-halves and the goalkeeper had serious repercussions.

“We know that they like playing into the green zone, and we were confident enough that we should be able to deal with it. Unfortunately, I think the first half we conceded balls that were played in the green zone,” Pupuma added.

"So, it's something that we need to go back and see how we adjust our centre-backs, when we are high, who drops and does what, and then the communication between them and the goalkeeper.

Milford will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership where they are set to host in-form Sekhukhune United at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, 31 October.

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Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.