Former Baroka FC mentor Amukelani Hlongwani, popularly known as “Jay Jay” Hlongwani is believed to be the missing link in the Bakgaga ba Mphahlele camp technical setup.
By: Refilwe Sebola
With just 10 matches left before the curtain falls on the current campaign, Limpopo’s proud football institutions, Black Leopards and Baroka FC, find themselves trapped in a tightening relegation scrap at the bottom of the log.
The Venda-based Leopards are rooted at the foot of the table with 16 points from 20 outings, while Baroka, representing Lebowakgomo, sit second from bottom with 18 points after 21 matches. With the clock ticking, both sides face an uphill battle to secure their status.
Leopards, however, have shown slight signs of revival in recent weeks. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Midlands Wanderers was followed by a crucial 1-0 victory over Leicesterford City — results that have injected a glimmer of hope into their survival bid. Much of this improvement has been attributed to recent changes in the technical team, which appear to be slowly stabilising the ship.
Baroka’s situation, on the other hand, remains concerning. Bakgaga were held to a goalless draw by Venda FC before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hungry Lions. Their inconsistency continues to cost them valuable points at a critical stage of the season.
The pressure is further intensified by the proximity of teams just above the drop zone. Midlands Wanderers, currently third from bottom, are only three points ahead of Baroka and five ahead of Leopards — a gap that could easily be overturned. Meanwhile, The Bees and Gomora United are slightly better positioned but remain within reach, holding a narrow cushion of four to five points.
Football followers across Limpopo have begun to weigh in on Baroka’s struggles, with many calling for the return of former mentor Amukelani Hlongwani, popularly known as “Jay Jay.” Hlongwani, now part of the technical setup at Casric Stars, previously guided Baroka during one of their most competitive periods, and supporters believe his experience could reignite the team’s fortunes.
Attention now shifts to a crucial weekend of fixtures. Leopards face a tough away assignment against Highbury FC on Friday, while Baroka travel to take on Milford FC on Saturday.
For both Limpopo outfits, the equation is simple — win or risk slipping deeper into the relegation abyss.
With pride, history, and top-flight ambitions on the line, the coming weeks promise high drama as these two sides fight to keep their heads above water.