Milford FC midfielder Menzi Chili is looking forward to facing his former teammate Bulelani Sigomoshe when the KwaZulu-Natal club takes on Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16.

The match will be a special occasion for Chili, who previously shared the dressing room with Sigomoshe before the defender secured a move to the Soweto giants in September. Sigomoshe has since continued his career with the Buccaneers, earning opportunities under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Chili has expressed pride in seeing his former teammate progress to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. He acknowledged Sigomoshe’s quality and the contribution he can make to Pirates, while recognising that the reunion will carry personal significance for both players.

“It would definitely be a special moment. Ace is one of our own, and seeing him take that next step in his career is something we’re all proud of. We know the quality he has and what he can bring to Pirates,” Chili said.

Despite the friendship between the two players, Chili has made it clear that sentiment will not influence Milford’s approach to the contest. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the midfielder insists his team must remain focused on its objective rather than the emotional aspect of facing a former teammate.

“But for those 90 minutes, the friendship will have to wait. We have a job to do, and I'm sure he will be just as determined to do his,” he added.

Milford head into the encounter aware of the challenge posed by the defending champions, who possess considerable experience in knockout competitions. However, Chili believes his team can compete if it maintains its recent form and plays with confidence.

For Sigomoshe, the match also offers an opportunity to face the club where he previously played and demonstrate his progress since joining Pirates.

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