WeeklySA_AdminHIGH NOON: A win for the Eastern Cape team could lift them up to a dignified position…
By Masoja Cele
Eastern Cape outfit Highbury FC lock horns against Limpopo side Baroka FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship fixture at Isaac Wolfson Stadium, Gqeberha on Sunday at 15:00.
Highbury started their 2025/26 league campaign with 1-all draws against University of Pretoria and Kruger United. The Gqeberha team are now in their second season in championship after securing promotion from the ABC Motsepe League. A win for the Eastern Cape team could lift them up to a dignified position rather than the 12th position they are currently occupying.
Coach Kabelo Sibiya, who guided the side to second tier of South African soccer, will expect his side to show last season’s form if they are to avoid being relegated.
Highbury has boosted their squad with a few experience players in Samkelo Jali (Chippa United), Senzo Ndlovu (AmaZulu), Menzi Ndwandwe (Magesi) Namibian international Ngero Katua, and Katlego Molaba (Casric Stars).
Besides these new arrivals, coach Sibiya could unleash his tried and tested playing personnel. The likes of former Baroka star Matome Mabeba, Zukile Kewuti and former Maritzburg right winger Mohau Mokate have been part of the team since their debut in the championship.
Baroka FC, formerly in the premier league, has been part of the second-tier division since their relegation back in the 2020/21 season. Bakgakga ba Mphahlele have had three unsuccessful attempts to win their way back to the PSL.
In their opening match of this they suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to newbies The Bees. However, they followed that with a 3-0 drubbing of another newcomer, Midlands Wanderers.
Their coach, Dan Malesela, the former Orlando Pirates defender and captain has instilled discipline and confidence in the team since he was re-employed in March this year. Baroka’s confidence was low when he arrived.
Malesela is a no-nonsense gaffer and a disciplinarian. He believes in those players who respect the game and live clean life.
The Limpopo team has added depth securing the services of goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto (Royal AM) goalkeeper Badri Ali Sangare (Sekhukhune United), Thato Mokeke (Upington City) and Kabelo Kgositsile (loanee from Orlando Pirates). Malesela will trust his striking pair of Siphelele Mthembu and Connor Zade would perform the same high-quality game they displayed in their previous match at Wanderers.
