The Buccaneers come into the season on the back of a highly successful campaign where they won a historic treble, including the league, MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

Milford secured their top-flight status via the relegation/promotion play-offs against Magesi and Cape Town City, after ending their season in second place in the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Both sides have strengthened their sides with the signing of a number of new players; most notably for Bucs is Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen, who comes with a strong pedigree in front of goal, as well as experienced Zambian attacker Ghampani Lungu and highly rated Stellenbosch midfielders Thapelo Mokobodi and Mtehtheleli Mthiyane.

While other promoted clubs often opt to fill their squads with experienced Premiership campaigners, Milford have opted to freshen up their squad with some excitng young talent, including Admiro Chabangu from Summerfield Dynamos, Khunganani Sigadi from North West University. Umkhambathi goalkeeper Sanele Mthembu, Thabang Mabena from Black Leopards, Highbury forward Nomandela Yanelisa, as well centre-back Mnqobi Mbhele from Sinenkani.

Speaking at the Premier Soccer League awards evening where Bucs won a number of awards, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who was named Coach of the Season, explained that the success of last season is motivation to achieve even more.

"When I see players from Pirates winning awards, it is the club that gives us the platform to achieve," he said in the Sowetan.

“I always say it is another motivation to go higher. We have to take these awards and keep moving. You must set new targets every morning when you wake up.”

Reflecting on the signing of Pedersen, as the club looked for a way to replace former midfield star Relebohile Mofokeng, the coach added: "I think the scouting department was looking for a profile of player that can help us increase our average chance conversion.

"Last season we were the team on the continent that had the most chances created. We need this finisher. I think he is someone who can bring freshness and quality."

On the thought of having to face Pirates on the first day of their first season in the Premiership, head coach Xanti Pupuma told his club's website: "At some point, we have to play them.

"It is unfortunate to draw them first, but it is a challenge we are gradually embracing.

"We are playing the absolute champions while being the weakest team in the division. If you look at how we got here, we had to fight through the playoffs. Kruger United won the second-tier league directly, so they naturally rank above us. Every other team was already established in the top-flight, which technically makes us the underdogs.

"To get the champions away on day one—it doesn't get tougher than that. We will embrace it, knowing it won't be easy, but my only wish is that we show up and don’t get carried away by the occasion."

Orlando Pirates striker Deon Hotto dreaming of MTN8 glory