Baroka FC head coach Tlisane Motaung has reacted to his side’s precarious league position, admitting the road ahead will be difficult, though he remains adamant the club will retain its Motsepe Foundation Championship status.
The Limpopo side has gone six matches without a win, including four straight defeats. Their last win was against newcomers The Bees at home in February 2026.
The club is now left with six matches to save its status or risk being relegated to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League.
Their last defeat came at the hands of fellow struggling side Leicesterford City FC after going down 2-1 at Mafori Village in Lebowakgomo on Saturday afternoon.
‘It’s getting even worse. Obviously, we wanted to win this match, especially playing at home,” said Motaung. “We really wanted to fight and get the three points here. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get them.”
SITUATION GETTING WORSE FOR RELEGATION-THREATENED BAROKA FC
He added: “So we just need to focus. My job is to try to push the boys mentally because they are more damaged mentally. So my job is to try and pick them up.”
TIISANE MOTAUNG CONFIDENT OF MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP SURVIVAL
However, Motaung says there is still hope that they will get out of the current situation, especially with 18 points to play for.
“Definitely [there is hope, six games and 18 points] to play for, so yes, the hope is still there,” he added.
“I am aware that [Black Leopards won today which makes it even more difficult, but 18 points is a lot in this division. If we win our next three games, we will tell a different story. It won’t be easy, but we have to fight for each and every match.
“It’s going to be difficult. But my job is to do that. I can not only be a coach when things are good. I need to demonstrate my skills and try to push the lads, try to push everyone because everyone is down, and my responsibility as the head coach is to make sure they [players] realise we still need to work for one another.”
Baroka remain rooted to the bottom of the log with 18 points, trailing 15th-placed Leopards by three points. Even more concerning for the Limpopo outfit is the massive seven-point gap between themselves and the safety of 14th place.
RELATED STORY: Khurishi Mphahlele issue update on Baroka coaching changes