Matsemela Thoka Set to Re-Join Baroka as Head Coach
Baroka FC is preparing to welcome back Matsemela Thoka as the club's new head coach. This announcement follows the dismissal of Dan Malesela after a disappointing start to the season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Confirming the news on Monday, sources indicate that Malesela has been sacked, despite previous reports suggesting a temporary suspension. His exit comes as Baroka finds itself struggling at the bottom of the championship table, with only one victory out of seven matches played, which included five defeats and just one draw.
The breaking point for Malesela was a 2-0 loss at home to the University of Pretoria this past weekend.
Thoka's return is not unexpected; he has previously held multiple roles at Baroka, including assistant coach under Wedson Nyirenda and Dylan Kerr. His notable achievements include helping the team make history as the first Limpopo-based club to win a major domestic trophy, the 2018/19 Telkom Knockout against Orlando Pirates.
Thoka played a significant role that season, notably stepping in for Nyirenda during the quarterfinals against Mamelodi Sundowns.
He also managed the senior team for a year between November 2020 and November 2021, propelling Baroka to the top of the league table in the initial phases of the campaign.
After being removed from the first team, he managed Baroka's DStv Diski Challenge squad until June 2022, a season that ultimately saw Baroka relegated without a single away victory.
Following the relegation, Thoka has been involved with the reserve teams of both Marumo Gallants and Moroka Swallows but is now set to return to Baroka after a three-year absence.
His extensive experience and prior success with the club will be critical as he seeks to turn their fortunes around.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!