Head coach of relegation-threatened side Baroka FC, Tlisane Motaung, says he has the full backing of club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele.
Baroka are in danger of being demoted to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League as they languish at the bottom of the Motsepe Foundation Championship log.
Motaung took over at the club in October 2025 following the departure of veteran coach Dan Malesela. However, the club hasn’t achieved the desired results under the former University of Pretoria coach.
LIMPOPO SIDE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIFE TO SAVE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS
As it stands, Baroka have the most defeats this season [14], and have only collected 18 points. Their fate is no longer in their own hands, and they will be hoping that other relegation candidates will drop points.
This includes Limpopo rivals Black Leopards, who are second from bottom. Other clubs that are not yet safe from relegation include Midlands Wanderers, Venda FC and Gomora United.
TLLISANG MOTAUNG ENCOURAGED BY THE BACKING OF BAROKA FC CHAIRMAN KHURISHI MPHAHLELE
Motaung, who recently suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Leicesterford City FC on Saturday, 11 April, says Mphahlele has been supportive despite the recent poor run of form.
“The chairman has been supportive, I don’t want to lie,” said Motaung.
“He’s been very supportive. He gave me an opportunity and said, ‘Coach, try your level best. Let’s see how best you can get the team out of where it is. Do your best and find the combinations that can bring solutions’. We are working very hard on trying to do that.
“That’s why I am saying, psychologically, I need to revive the players psychologically because they are more hurt, and my job is to try and rebuild them.”
Meanwhile, Baroka will now shift their focus to Lerumo Lions on Sunday, 19 April.
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