Confident CEO: Bring on Chiefs

Baroka FC say they have no fear of facing Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, even describing the draw against Amakhosi as “easy.”

“Playing Chiefs is easy because you don’t need to motivate the players,” said Baroka CEO Morgan Mammila.

“I know Chiefs come with a lot of supporters and we love that, nothing can take away from that, they are a big team, a big brand. But come the match it is 11 v 11 and we will hope for the best.”

Baroka also have a decent record against Chiefs, ever since they beat them in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals in 2011. At that stage Bakgaga were playing in the Vodacom League.

Chiefs finally recorded their first ever win over Baroka in an Absa Premiership game earlier this year.

“Leave 2011, last season we beat them 2-1,” said Mammila.

“We do have history against them in the cup and we hope to continue that. They did beat us once and we can see how they won that game, but I think this is the best draw for us.”

Baroka have done well of late under caretaker coach MacDonald Makhubedu, following the suspension and subsequent sacking of head coach Kgoloko Thobejane. In their last three games, Bakgaga have beaten Cape Town City at home in the league and earned a respectable draw at Bidvest Wits, as well as progressing in the cup.

Mammila says there will be no reason to replace Makhubedu at the end of the campaign if he continues to do well.

“He has done a tremendous job, and we are happy, and if he can carry on there will be no need to look for another coach. If a man is doing well, beating the so-called “best” coaches, then why let him go?”

Who knows, maybe Baroka can even win the Nedbank Cup?