How Baroka clicked just in time to beat relegation
Limpopo team buck the trend
Before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) play-offs started, one would not have predicted Baroka would secure their position in the Absa Premiership, especially with their history.
Bakgaga became only the fourth top-tier outfit to escape relegation after the play-offs. Only AmaZulu (2006/07), Mpumalanga Black Aces (2009/10) and Polokwane City (2013/14) had done it, before Baroka bucked the trend after collecting eight points from a possible 12 and finishing ahead of Black Leopards and Stellenbosch respectively.
A number of factors may have contributed to the Limpopo-based side’s performance, which also averted relegation after they finish 15th in the Premier Division.
In most cases, the failure of top-flight teams in the play-offs is because of momentum: they enter the three-team contest low in confidence after losing numerous matches in the elite league. However, for Bakgaga it was a different story.
Heading into the play-offs Baroka had lost only one of their last six matches in the Premiership. Although there was only a single victory there, with four draws they came with high confidence.
A solid home record also helped Baroka to retain their top-flight spot. In their opening match, they played out to a 2-2 draw against Stellenbosch in Cape Town and that result cast doubt on Bakgaga’s credentials to save their status.
However, when Bakgaga hosted both Stellenbosch and Leopards in their backyard at Peter Mokaba Stadium, they made sure maximum points remained home. Six of their eight points were collected from their two home games.
If Baroka are to be a force in the upcoming season, they must stop changing coaching staff – and reinforcements in the goalkeeping department are also needed.