The once-proud Limpopo giants, Baroka FC and Black Leopards, who previously flew the province’s flag high in the DStv Premiership, have now become mere shadows of their former selves in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Both sides, who were once feared opponents in South African football, have turned into whipping boys of the country’s second-tier league and now face the real threat of relegation if they don’t urgently improve their performances.
Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has done commendable work in building modern facilities for the club. In fact, Bakgaga ba Ga-Mphahlele remain the only team in South Africa that plays its home matches at its own stadium – the Baroka Stadium in
Lebowakgomo.
However, poor decision-making and inconsistent management have derailed the club’s progress in recent years.
Two seasons ago, Baroka appointed Dan “Dance” Malesela as head coach, and the experienced mentor made an immediate impact, rescuing the club from the relegation zone to finish in the top three. Under his guidance, Baroka even earned a place in the Betway Premiership Promotion/Relegation Playoffs.
Surprisingly, management parted ways with Malesela with just one match remaining in the playoffs, replacing him with the underperforming Morgan Mammila, whose stint ended in disappointment.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Baroka unveiled a major new sponsorship deal with Mafori Group, replacing oil company Global. The glitzy announcement in Sandton also saw Malesela’s return alongside a host of new signings, raising hopes for a revival.
Sadly, those hopes were short-lived. A poor run of results – one win, one draw, and six losses in eight matches – led to Malesela’s dismissal two weeks ago. His replacements, Tlisang Motaung and Thoka Matsemela, took charge last week but suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat to Hungry Lions in their first match.
Matsemela now faces an early test of his credentials when Baroka host another struggling former Premiership outfit, Cape Town Spurs, at the Baroka Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are desperate for three points to escape the drop zone.
Baroka sit rooted to the bottom of the log with just four points from nine matches, while Spurs occupy 13th position with nine points.
Meanwhile, Black Leopards, who sit second from the bottom with six points from eight matches, continue to battle the aftermath of Fifa’s player registration restrictions – a legacy issue from All Stars FC, whose status they purchased to remain in the league.
Although Fifa has since lifted the ban, Lidoda Duvha are still struggling to find their rhythm and positive results.
On Sunday, they face Bees FC at the KaNyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit, hoping to finally turn the corner and kickstart their rebuilding process.
Elsewhere in Sunday’s Motsepe Foundation Championship fixtures, Lerumo Lions will host Hungry Lions at the University of North West Stadium (Mafikeng campus), while Gomora United welcome the in-form Casric Stars.
