Buthelezi says players won’t put pressure on themselves after beating Chiefs

By Ayanda Nyuswa

After producing one of the biggest upsets in Nedbank Cup history by knocking Kaizer Chiefs out in the round of 32, KZN outfit Milford FC will return to cup action this week looking to build a fairytale run in the competition. The Xanti Pupuma owned team will host Carling Knockout champions Stellebosch FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Friday.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship first timers have not won a league match in 2024, and go into this encounter on worrying form with three defeats in four matches, which has seen them drop to fourteenth position in the second Division. They will face a Stellenbosch FC side that has already tasted Cup success this season and will be eager to have a good run in the Nedbank Cup. Steve Barker’s side has been struggling to find the form that saw them end 2023 with six victories in a row in all competitions, which included that penalty shootout win over TS Galaxy in the final.

Despite being in poor form the Stallions will be looking to show the same fight, and perhaps the same goalkeeping heroics from Sphamandla Hleza, that saw them prevent Kaizer Chiefs from finding the back of the net at the FNB Stadium. Coach Nkululeko Buthelezi says his side will not place any pressure on themselves going into the Stellies clash, after the highs of beating one of the most successful team in South African football.

“We won’t put pressure on ourselves to say we want to win cause we beat Kaizer Chiefs,” Mbatha said speaking to reporters.

“As long as the players behave in the right way, they can still do it and win again. I won’t say the players have become big headed after beating Kaizer Chiefs, if you are with them on the pitch they are stil behaving the same way,” Mbatha added.