Baroka play tussle for ball possession in their recent game against Suspersport .IMAGE – GIFT NDOLWANE

By GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – BAROKA FC, who have been thrown a lifeline to remain in the elite league, are eager to defy the trend that has seen Premier League struggle in the playoffs against sides from the first division.
Baroka, by finishing 15th in the just-ended dramatic campaign, are up against fellow Limpopo Province outfit, Black Leopards, and Western Cape side, Stellenbosch, in the playoffs starting on Wednesday.
The two sides finished behind second and third behind first division winners Thanda Royal Zulu.
History is stacked against Baroka as playoffs participants from the premier league have mostly failed to retain their status, and got relegated to the unfashionable first division.
Among these are Chippa United, Leopards themselves, Moroka Swallows and Santos.
Baroka Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Mammila, however remains defiant his side will buck the trend.
“Teams’ playing styles are different,” argued Mammila.
“We were promoted ahead of the just-ended season from the first division and we are familiar with that division and how football is played there. So, I believe this will work to our advantage.”
He attributed the side’s predicament to lack of luck.”
“Our season was fine but luck was not on our side. In one game (versus Golden Arrows when a penalty goal was disallowed and a retake not awarded as they lost 3-2) the referee made a mistake that cost us. It’s one of those things when luck was not on our side. We learnt a lot in our first season in the topflight.”
A lack of stability in the coaching department has also been blamed.
The side is currently under the joint mentorship of Milton and Kgoloko Thobejane.
“At the end of the season (playoffs) , we will evaluate were we went wrong and where we went right,” Mammila said about the coaches’ future.
The three-team playoffs conclude on June 17.
– Guardian