Snl24 | MIlford ‘Keeper Receives Special Praise After Chiefs Heroics

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 25: Siphamandla Hleza of Milford FC during the Nedbank Cup, Last 32 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Milford FC at FNB Stadium on February 25, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

MIlford FC goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza received some special praise after helping his side eliminate Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.

Hleza was named Man of the Match after pulling off a number of fine saves, including keeping Ranga Chivaviro’s penalty in extra-time.

Coach Xanti Pupuma was full of praise for the team and joked that he should make Hleza the chairman after his performance.

Read: Trophy Drought Continues As Chiefs Crash Out Of Nedbank Cup

“I actually don’t know what to say, it was a tough game, I think the boys did it for themselves, maybe initially when we started it was all about Milford and about getting the structure right,” Pupuma told SuperSport after the game.

“But at the end towards extra-time, especially after we lost (Vusumuzi) Mkhabela, it was all about the individual player doing it for himself. I don’t know what to say to Hleza, I think I should make him a Chairman.

“I’m actually very happy, even if we had lost the game, I started the game with kids and they showed up, it was a bit overwhelming for them, we thought we should protect some of them during half-time, bring the older boys to settle the game down,” he said.

Pupuma says it’s a pity that football lovers have only been exposed to Hleza’s talent now.

“That’s what he does, he’s an amazing boy. It’s so unfortunate that you guys only get to see him now, there’s so many players that I can count in my team that are outstanding, that could have gone further in their careers if they were in a better place than where we come from,” he went on.

“But today I’m gonna let them enjoy the moment and hopefully from now on they will get something,” he concluded.

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