Baroka head coach Dan Malesela
By: Refilwe Sebola
Baroka FC head coach Daniel “Dan Dance” Malesela has expressed his commitment to the club ahead of the 2025/26 season, showing a strong desire to remain in charge as the team pursues promotion.
Malesela made this heartfelt statement during Baroka’s sponsorship unveiling event in Sandton on Friday, where the Limpopo-based club officially announced the Mafori Group as their new headline sponsor. The Mafori Group had previously acted as the sleeve sponsor last season, while the main sponsor at that time was Global.
In a moment filled with optimism and determination, Malesela, who rejoined Baroka last season after a stint with DStv Premiership side Marumo Gallants, stated that he is “hoping and dying” to stay with the team for the long term.
“The proof of it is that I don’t often get the chance to start the season with a club,” Malesela shared. “I usually come in to help when there are significant problems. This time, I started with the team, and I hope to be here to stay—because the dream is truly to get promoted, which is my mandate. It is our mandate. We have no other choice. There is no better mandate than that.”
His remarks signal a clear intention to build a project from the ground up and lead Baroka back to the elite division of South African football. The club, which was relegated from the DStv Premiership in 2022, is relying on Malesela’s experience and tactical skills to mount a serious challenge in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The unveiling of the Mafori Group as the main sponsor has also brought renewed financial hope to the club. Although the sponsorship amount was not disclosed, the group boldly challenged the media and supporters to gauge the success of their investment based on the players’ welfare—specifically concerning timely salary payments and responsible financial management by the players.
Club executives praised the partnership, describing it as a “step forward” in restoring the club’s former glory. The combination of a dedicated coach and fresh sponsorship has sparked new hope among Baroka supporters, who believe that “Bakgaga” can rise again.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Malesela and his squad, who have one mission in mind: promotion.