Baroka FC
By: Refilwe Sebola
National First Division side Baroka FC, has successfully qualified for the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup following a 2-0 victory against Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Tuesday.
This achievement positions Baroka among eight teams from the NFD that have secured a place in this stage of the competition, alongside Cape Town Spurs, Durban City, Hungry Lions, Kruger United, Milford, Pretoria Callies, and Venda FC.
Cape Town Spurs advanced by defeating Black Leopards 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the match concluded in a 0-0 draw. Durban City emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Highbury, while both Hungry Lions and Kruger United achieved 1-0 wins against the University of Pretoria and Orbit College, respectively.
Milford also secured a 2-0 victory against Upington City, while Callies triumphed 1-0 against Leruma United. Venda FC concluded the qualifications with a decisive 4-1 win over JDR Stars.
The recent victory for Baroka marks new coach Joel “Moporofeta” Masutha’s second win in three matches since his appointment to the Limpopo-based club. Baroka, widely recognized as “Bakgaga ba ga Mphahlele,” has a commendable history in this competition. Given their current performance and storied legacy in the Nedbank Cup, it is plausible that they may advance further in the tournament.
In 2011, the club garnered attention by reaching the semi-finals of the 2010–11 Nedbank Cup, achieving notable victories against several Premier Soccer League teams, such as Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs.
Additionally, in 2018, Baroka made headlines by overcoming Orlando Pirates to secure their first-ever PSL trophy in the final of the Telkom Knockout Challenge, along with a monetary reward of R4 million.
The last 32 of the tournament comprises 16 teams from the Premier Soccer League, in addition to eight teams each from the NFD and the ABC Motsepe Leagues.