Pupuma praises Milford product Mthiyane after solid start at Orlando Pirates

The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Soweto giants after spending only a single season with Stellenbosch who had signed him from the Stallions during their Motsepe Foundation Championship stint.

Mthiyane has already become an important part of Orlando Pirates squad, having already featured in five matches in all competitions while helping the club reach a record fifth consecutive MTN8 cup final.

"I'm actually very happy for him [Mthiyane]," said Pupuma to iDiski Times.

"I think when he came to us, he was 17 or 18 and I am sure if you ask him, who gave him the chance, to be in the team and he's doing well, we always knew he had the talent.

"It was a matter of being at the right place for the development. I'm happy he's also taken his time, patient about his growth, I’m sure he will be the player we expected him to be."

Pupuma also praised former Milford defender Siphamandla Ncanana who is currently at Durban City while promising to unleash more homegrown talent in the top-flight division.

"There's a few Milford players doing well, Spha is doing well, he was with us at centre-back, Ncanana from Durban City, when I see these boys, I'm very proud that we contributed," added the doctor.

"Now that we're here, you will see more of the local players from the Richards Bay area coming through the system and show everyone can play football."

The Stallions will take on Chippa United in their next league match on Saturday.