Baroka’s interim coach Amukelani “JayJay” Hlongwani
By: Refilwe Sebola
National First Division side Baroka FC has experienced a setback, losing their first match under interim coach Amukelani “JayJay” Hlongwani.
They fell 1-0 to Durban City in an away game last Friday. This was Hlongwani’s fifth match as interim coach after he took over from former coach Morgan Mamila, who resigned following poor results in his first two games.
Hlongwani’s appointment on an interim basis was confirmed by team boss Kurishi Mphahlele last month. He began his tenure with a 1-0 victory against Hungry Lions away in Kimberly at Suzuki Stadium.
He followed that up with another 1-0 win at home in Lebowakgomo, defeating Kruger United. However, he then faced challenges, drawing two consecutive matches—one against the University of Pretoria (1-1) and the other against Casric Stars (0-0).
Currently, Baroka is sitting in 10th place in the league after seven games. The highly skilled Hlongwani is expected to lead his team to victory this weekend against struggling Pretoria Callies, who are in 13th place on the league table. Callies have only won one game this season, drawing three and losing three. A win could potentially elevate “Bakgaga ba ga Mphahlele” to a possible seventh place in the standings.