Baroka go to market to bolster their side for the new season

JOHANNESBURG: Orlando Pirates have rejected a bid from Baroka FC for their former marksman Thabiso Kutumela.

Two season ago Kutumela propelled Baroka to top flight football and won the ‘golden boot’ as top scorer in the National First Division as Baroka were crowned the NFD champions.

His displays attracted Pirates, who signed him before the end of 2015/16 season.

At Pirates he has struggled to find his feet, and spent most of last season warming the bench, which led to speculation that he might be loaned out this upcoming season.

Morgan Mammila, Baroka’s CEO, confirmed the club were interested in Kutumela, but their bid was rejected.

“Gift Motupa is back with us. He is on loan from Pirates. He is hungry now, he has to prove a point and this is the right time for him to prove the point.

“I don’t see Thabiso Kutumela coming to us. He belongs to Pirates.

“They didn’t give us him. We understand their reasons and we accepted them. They have a plan for him, and we can’t fault Pirates for that. We were interested in the player but there’s nothing we can do if they have a plan for him,” Mammila lamented.

Last season Kutumela appeared in 10 matches for Pirates in all competitions, netting one goal.

Baroka, without Kutumela’s goals, almost got relegated, only retaining their PSL status by winning the Promotional Play-offs after finishing in 15th position on the log.

“If you look at our last eight matches we only lost one – to Lamontville Golden Arrows. This shows that we got our momentum late. Obviously we are not going to be fooled by those results.

“We will go to the market and get some experienced players. We don’t have to find ourselves in a relegation battle again”.

Baroka recently snapped up former Kaizer Chiefs forward Lewis Macha.

“I’ve signed Macha and there are three international players that I’m busy with. At any time I might have them. I’m telling people they will see a different Baroka this season,” Mammila explained.

Charismatic coach Kgologo Thobejane, the 47-year-old former teacher who quit his education job in 2015 to coach full time, will be staying at the club.

“Thobejane is staying and will be assisted by McDonald Makubedu, who was coaching Arconbush FC who are campaigning in ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga.

“He is a good coach. He lost to Chiefs with nine men ( in the Nedbank Cup), and that’s why I think he will add value in our team. Our aim this season is to go for a top eight finish.

“If we reach one of the finals in cup competitions that will bea bonus for us,” Mammila added.