Doctor and football coach Dr Xanti Pupuma is pondering his future after leading Milford FC into the Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix
The final whistle at Seshego Stadium told one story. The aftermath told another.
Under the bright Limpopo sky and the tension of a play-off decider, Milford FC sealed their place in the Betway Premiership with a 1-1 draw against Magesi — completing a remarkable rise that has taken them from challengers to top-flight newcomers in dramatic fashion. But even as celebrations began on the pitch, uncertainty quickly followed off it.
At the centre of the story is head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma, the man who has balanced a demanding dual life between football management and his profession as an obstetrician and gynaecologist.
His achievement in guiding Milford to promotion is already etched into the club’s history — but whether he will lead them into the top flight remains unresolved. Speaking shortly after securing promotion, Pupuma admitted that his future is now up for discussion.
