×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Baroka relegated to NFD after six years in the PSL

Thami Masiya of Baroka and Daylon Claasen of Maritzburg United in action during their DStv Premiership match at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Thami Masiya of Baroka and Daylon Claasen of Maritzburg United in action during their DStv Premiership match at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Image: Rogan Ward/BackpagePix

Baroka have been relegated from the DStv Premiership after their 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.

The single goal by experienced defender Clayton Daniels was enough to end Baroka’s six-year stay in the top-tier.

The relegation of Baroka is a big setback for the club as they had started to attract sponsors which are key for any side to be successful in the top-tier.

Also, the Lebowakgomo region in Limpopo will take a huge knock because of this development as the club over the years has helped to unearth a number of talented players such as Evidence Makgopa, Orlando Pirates’ Goodman Mosele, Sundowns’ duo of Thabiso Kutumela and Gift Motupa and others and exposed them to top-flight football.

Baroka’s chairperson Khurishi Mphahlele has also made a significant investment in terms of the facilities there.

For a team that needed a victory at all costs to stand any chance of avoiding the axe, Bakgakga didn’t do enough to win the clash.

Baroka gave an underwhelming performance in the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, as they have been doing for most of their abysmal campaign.

The Team of Choice, who needed a point from their two remaining games to confirm their place in the Premiership next season, were way better than their visitors.

Maritzburg should have gone to halftime at least two goals up but some good defending by Baroka combined with a bit of luck denied them the opportunity.

The Team of Choice were able to beat Baroka’s goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane, but the first chance was cleared off the goal line by Sbonelo Ngubane to deny Tawanda Macheke.

The hosts had another chance where Mabokgwane was beaten, however, Friday Samu’s goal attempt hit his teammate Macheke and was cleared by Baroka.

Macheke, who enjoyed a decent afternoon, was once again denied by the crossbar in the second half when he headed the ball from a good Keegan Ritchie free kick.

The deadlock was finally broken on 55 minutes by Daniels and crushed all the hopes of survival for Baroka and confirmed their destination as the GladAfrica Championship.

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.


Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.