WeeklySA_AdminCHAMPIONSHIP: Sunday’s Limpopo derby promises high stakes and intense football for local fans…
By Masoja Cele
Struggling Baroka FC will face the rekindled Venda FC in the Limpopo derby during the Motsepe Foundation Championship fixture on Sunday at Global Village Stadium, Lebowakgomo. Kick-off 15:30.
Baroka are now a shadow of the team that sent shivers down the spine of many a side while in the Premier Soccer League. In the season 2015/16 they were promoted to the DSTV Premiership and made an indelible mark.
During the 2010/11 campaign, they reached the semi-finals. Back in 2012, Bakgakga once completed a fairy tale, causing an upset by beating Orlando Pirates 3-2 in the Telkom Cup final.
However, the Limpopo outfit seriously battles nowadays to win matches in the Championship. Inexplicably, Khurishi Mphahlele’s side will win a match today, only to lose the next three outings in succession.
As matches come thick and fast, it is crucial for teams to show character and determination. With two matches to complete the first round of the Championship, teams at the bottom of the log will find it hard to climb the ladder.
Perhaps, chopping and changing coaches may well be the downfall of Bakgakga. Early October, Baroka released former coach Dan Malesela from his duties, owing to a string of poor results. Malesela was replaced by former University of Pretoria FC mentor Tlisane Motaung.
So far, coach Motaung has overseen the team over six matches, won two, drawn one and lost three. Maybe, the players are still learning to adjust to the gaffer’s philosophy and tactics.
As usual, Bakgakga’s strike force will be spearheaded by the pacey David Mothipi partnered with Kabelo Kgotsitsile. The former Moroka Swallows midfield destroyer Lantshane Phalane’s experience will be the critical link between front men and midfield.
In defence, the reliable Ananias Gebhardt will marshal the defence, alongside the former Mamelodi Sundowns left back Tebogo Langerman. In goals, Baroka have one of the most under-rated goalkeepers in Badra Ali Sangare. The Ivory Coast native has been a pillar of Baroka for the past three seasons, and will be expected to deal with Venda FC’s relentless attacks.
In Venda FC, Bakgakga will be faced with the team that has recently clocked impressive results . Clinton Larsen’s boys have collected a total of 12 points from what could have been a possible 18. The valuable points served to elevate Venda FC to the 10th position on the log with 17 points .
Since Larsen took over the reins early in the season, Venda Birds’ football fortunes have improved significantly.
At the time, the team perilously lay second from the bottom of the log.
Fortunately, Larsen turned out a good catch, arriving at the nick of time, with vast experience – courtesy of stints with different teams in the Championship for a number of years.
During the 2023/24 campaign, he steered Magesi FC to promotion to the Premier League. He also won the Carling Black Label Cup in their debut season.
For their part, Venda Birds will rely on the likes of attacking midfielder Chris Matombo and central midfielder Deolin Mekoa to destabilise the opposition. Upfront, Lesotho international Motebang Sera, former Swallows and Ghanaian striker Daniel Gozar to unsettle the Baroka defence.
