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‘We can still win it’ – Baroka boss reveals Motaung’s mandate

Tlisane Motaung and Matsemela Thoka being unveiled by Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele

Despite sitting at the bottom of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Baroka FC boss Khurishi Mphahlele still believes the arrival of new head coach Tlisane Motaung will turn things around.

Baroka brought in the former University of Pretoria mentor to take over the suspended Dan Malesela after the club’s poor start to the 2025/26 season.

Motaung, who has helped AmaTuks reach the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs twice, takes over a club that has struggled to win matches.

Baroka have collected just four points from eight matches so far. In his first match in charge, Baroka lost 2-0 to Hungry Lions away over the weekend.

However, Mphahlele has shown confidence in the new man in charge and insists they still have a chance to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership.

WHY BAROKA FC ARE CONFIDENT THEY HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT MAN IN MOTAUNG

“Tlisane Motaung is a well-known coach and has experience in this league,” said Mphahlele.

Tlisane Motaung and Matsemela Thoka signing their contracts with Baroka Chairman Khurishi Mphahlele.
Tlisane Motaung, Khurishi Mphahlele and Matsemela Thoka: Picture @Baroka FC

“We are in the middle of the season, and we feel that we need someone with experience. We can’t have someone who is like us here. So that’s why he is here.”

BAROKA FC BOSS BELIEVE THEY CAN GAIN PROMOTION UNDER TLISANE MOTAUNG

“It’s still doable. We have played eight games, so we still have 22 games to play,” he added.

“We believe that if we win 15 games, the possibility of winning the league is high. It can still happen. As much as we are losing at this rate, if we turn the corner, we can also win at the same rate.”

Baroka will face Upington City FC in their next league game on Tuesday afternoon. They face an Upington City side that is only six points below log leaders Milford, though they have a game in hand.

After that match, Baroka will return home to face Cape Town City FC, who seem to have turned the corner in the league with two wins in a row after a disastrous start to life in the second-tier league.

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