Baroka FC Parts Ways with Dan Malesela Amid Struggling Season

Baroka FC Parts Ways with Dan Malesela Amid Struggling Season

Baroka FC has officially dismissed head coach Dan Malesela for the second time, following a poor start to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The team currently finds itself second from the bottom, having achieved just one victory in their first seven matches of the season.

Under Malesela’s leadership, Baroka suffered five losses and recorded only one draw, raising concerns among the club's management. The final decision to part ways was prompted by a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to the University of Pretoria over the weekend.

This dismissal marks Malesela’s second stint with the club, after he was reappointed in March last season. His previous term ended after he left Marumo Gallants, having suffered a setback against Mamelodi Sundowns in February.

Malesela had previously led Baroka to the PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoffs at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season but was suspended and then dismissed after a loss to the University of Pretoria in their opening playoff match.

Following that event, Morgan Mammila took charge with aspirations of achieving promotion. However, Baroka's hopes were dashed by Richards Bay, who emerged victorious in the final playoff match, securing their top-flight status and leaving Baroka relegated.

Baroka FC, renowned for being the first Limpopo club to clinch a major domestic trophy with the 2018/19 Telkom Knockout against Orlando Pirates, faced relegation after the 2021/22 season, marking a significant downturn in their fortunes after failing to secure an away victory throughout the season.

Sources indicate that Malesela and his entire technical team have been let go, though Mathari Motupa and Lucky Ntsoane will remain with the team. Currently, Baroka is positioned second from the bottom with four points, tied with newly promoted Midlands Wanderers, who are at the bottom of the table.

The stakes are high as the bottom two teams in the Motsepe Foundation Championship face automatic relegation at the end of the season. The new appointment at Baroka will have the challenging task of preventing the club from slipping into amateur football in the upcoming term.