Khurishi Mphahlele

Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has rubbished suggestions that his recent decision to suspend coach Dan Malesela has negatively impacted the team’s fight to gain promotion to SA’s top-flight.

Baroka FC - Figure 1
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Bakgaga played out to a 1-1 draw against the University of Pretoria in the PSL promotional/Relegation Playoffs at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo on Wednesday.

It was their second successive draw under interim coach Morgan Mammila. With only two points, their pursuit to gain promotion to the DStv Premiership now depends on the results of both AmaTuks and Richards Bay FC.

But Mphahlele is not throwing in the towel and insists Baroka are still within a chance to secure promotion. He also maintains that should the club fail, everyone must take the blame.

“No, why should I take the blame? Everyone participated,” he said. 

Baroka interim coach Morgan Mmamila  BAROKA FC BOSS DECLINES TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR THE CLUB’S RECENT POOR RESULTS

“All of us failed. Firstly, we should have won the league, not quality for the playoffs. We lost the league in the second round. That’s where things didn’t go well. There was a period where we played five games and collected two points. That’s where we lost the league.”

Baroka FC - Figure 2
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KHURISHI MPHAHLELE DEFENDS HIS DECISION TO PLACE COACH DAN MALESELA ON SUSPENSION

Mphahlele maintains that criticism against him for suspending Malesela is unjustified.

“He lost the match [against AmaTuks]. He was going to lose other matches,” said Mphahlele. “There was no guarantee that after losing the first match, he would not lose other matches. When was the last time he won here? A long time ago.

“We would have won the league if it was not for him doing those unnecessary changes. So, I am saying if I make mistakes, it’s okay; it’s part of the game. Everyone makes mistakes. But we are still in.”

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