Milford FC chase historic Nedbank Cup breakthrough

The match will be played at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon, and presents Milford with another opportunity to cement their reputation as one of the competition's most dangerous lower-division sides.

Milford first grabbed national headlines in 2024 after stunning Kaizer Chiefs, holding the Soweto giants to a goalless draw before winning 5-4 on penalties to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history. That fairytale run ended in heavy fashion, however, as they were thrashed 6-1 by Stellenbosch FC at the same stage.

The following season brought renewed hope, but the Round of 16 again proved a stumbling block when Milford were edged 2-1 by Sekhukhune United, after advancing automatically following Royal AM's removal from the competition.

Assistant coach Nkululeko Buthelezi believes the challenge posed by lower-league opposition should not be underestimated.

"It seems like we keep drawing SAFA regional teams, which we don't know much about," Buthelezi told IOL, adding that "planning is not easy because a lot is revealed only on match day, and that makes these games tricky."

While cup success is the immediate focus, Milford are also enjoying a strong campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, where they currently lead the standings with a three-point advantage over Kruger United.

Buthelezi stressed that balancing both objectives is possible, saying the club has "enough depth in the squad to compete on both fronts" as they push for promotion and cup progression.