South African club Baroka FC, was handed a new lifeline of relief keeping them in the South Africa Premier League after surviving the relegation play-offs.
The Limpopo-based club finished second-from-bottom managing a combined 28 points in 30 games in the Absa-sponsored League.
The Bakgagas needed to go through the mandatory four-game relegation play-offs and on the weekend came out of it euphoric after it emerged that the team is to retain its status in South Africa’s highest football division.
Baroka FC topped the playoffs table amassing eight points, winning two and drawing two others. The club swam to safety after tying with second tier side Black Leopards, 1-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
24-year-old Sepana Victor Letsaolo planted home the opening goal in the 34th minute –his fourth this campaign – to get their rambunctious away supporters jumping in celebration.
The hosts Black Leopards equalized from the spot-kick via Siphelele Leonard Ntshangase in the 64th minute after Lebogang Mabotja got bundled in the box, in a game that saw five yellow cards shown.
The journey now according to Baroka FC coach, Kgoloko Thobejane is in preparation to challenge for the CAF Champions League and the domestic league title next season.
“We are ready for the PSL‚ preparation is, as usual,” Thobejane said.
“We don’t have anything special to say. This is our second season in the PSL.
“You can’t avoid a situation in football……. if you lose in football you have lost. Then if you find yourself in the relegation zone you must accept you are in the relegation zone.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”But what you must know is that whatever is there in PSL we are saying Baroka is there for it‚ and we are challenging for the PSL and the CAF title.[/perfectpullquote]
“We have a brilliant squad‚ genius‚ maybe one‚ two or three players if the management deem it to say ‘hey let’s get one‚ two or three.’”
Featured Photo: Gallo Images
