Baroka Assistant Coach Amukelani “Jay-Jay” Hlongwani.

By:  Refilwe Sebola

National First Division side, Baroka FC were crowned Winners of the Top 3 pre-season tournament at Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo last Saturday.

The tournament included two other Limpopo NFD teams in Seshego based Magesi and Makhado based Venda FC after the third opponent La Masia from Gauteng withdrew.

The remaining three sides played against each other in a round robin format with the host Baroka opening the games with a surprise 2-0 loss to VFC.  Their Neighbours Magezi gave them a lifeline with a narrow 1-0 victory over VFC in the second game.

The victory seemed to have motivated Baroka who came back guns blazing in the last match of the tourney to win with a convincing 3-0 against Magezi. All teams finished their matches with three points each and Baroka won by goal diffence. Newly appointed assistant coach Amukelani “JayJay” Hlongwani said they will not be carried away by the tournament victory as it was still pre-season.