Nyirenda has big dreams for Baroka
WEDSON Nyirenda is a driven man who dreams big. That he is in charge of a team regarded in the country as “small” does not put a limit to the Zambian legend’s ambitions.
This, after all, is a man who arrived in the country at the beginning of last season and loudly proclaimed his goal was to help Baroka FC win their maiden trophy.
And the club from Ga-Mphahlele in Limpopo won the Telkom Knockout last season.
As he looks ahead to today’s draw for the country’s league cup, the former Zambia national team coach spoke of his desire to see Baroka retain their title.
“What will make me happy is to see the club defending the Telkom Knockout. So we are going all out to defend the title. That is our cup and we just have to go for it. The least we can do is to reach the final and see how we do.”
Holding onto the cup that is contested by just the elite league teams though is a secondary goal for Nyirenda. He has a much loftier target.
“My wish is to play in CAF competitions. That is actually my aim,” Nyirenda explained.
The former Kaizer Chiefs player doesn’t want to make up the numbers in the continental competitions. His objective is to make a significant impact and see his club follow in the footsteps of the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
The three clubs are the only South African teams to have laid their hands on CAF trophies.
The Buccaneers made history in 1995 by becoming the first southern African side to win Africa’s premier club competition, the Champions Cup.
Amakhosi lifted the Cup Winners”Cup/Mandela Cup that is now known as the CAF Confederation Cup back in 2001.
The Brazilians were crowned the Champions League kings in 2016.
Nyirenda wants to see his name alongside those of the late Ronald Mkhandawire, Muhsin Ertugral and Pitso Mosimane as coaches who have brought South African clubs continental glory.
“I want to win a CAF competition for a South African team. That is the ultimate goal,” he added.
Baroka can only earn the right to campaign in Africa by finishing in the top three in the league or by winning the Nedbank Cup.
Four slots are available for Premier Soccer League teams. The first two teams at the summit of the league table book themselves a place in the Champions League while the third placed side and the winners of the Nedbank Cup qualify to play in the Confederation Cup.
“Of course we would love to win the Nedbank Cup as it will be our ticket to African competition. But for now our focus is on the upcoming Telkom Knockout.”
Baroka have a great track record in the Nedbank Cup as it is the competition that catapulted them into national fame in 2011.