WeeklySA_AdminLACK-LUSTRE: Not even the advantage of playing their next fixture at home guarantees victory to the huffing-and-puffing Limpopo side…
By Masoja Cele
Baroka FC will engage a reinvigorated Lerumo Lions in the Motsepe Foundation Championship contest on Sunday at the Global Village Stadium, Lebowakgomo. Kick-off 15h00.
Baroka began the 2025/26 campaign poorly – winning two, drawing one and losing seven games. They are currently harnessed on the bottom rung of the standings.
As a result, coach Dan “Dance”Malesela was shown the door in October and replaced by Tlisane Motaung. The erstwhile Tukkies manager has been on the dugout twice, starting his stint with a win and a loss.
Time was when Baroka were the most feared team during their Premier League heydays. In 2011, they were Nedbank Cup semi-finalists, having beaten Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the quarters. They won the Telkom knockout trophy in 2018 beating Orlando Pirates in a penalty shootout
The team has added the experience of former Mamelodi Sundowns left back Tebogo Langerman to their squad. Despite his advanced age (39), he was personally recruited by chairman Khurishi Mphahlele. Other veterans in the team are Lantshene Phalane (35) and Namibian international Ananias Gebhardt (37s).
On Sunday, Baroka is coming up against a resurgent Lerumo team. The Lions of North West are in the Championship after purchasing the franchise of Pretoria Callies. In recent weeks they beat Gomora United (2-1), Leicesterford City (4-0) and drew 1-all with Hungry Lions. They are 10th on the table. Should Lions continue to display the same form, they might well surprise Baroka in their own backyard.
Lerumo leading goal scorer Ntuthuko Mlotshwa (four goals) will be expected to lead the attack alongside his Paseka Nkosi. The pair will be ably assisted by the likes of Ntsako Mathebula and Thabani Gumede from the middle of the park.
