Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has ruthlessly insisted that he holds zero regrets after suspending head coach Dan “Dance” Malesela during their all-important Premier Soccer League (PSL) relegation/promotion playoffs campaign.
Bakgakga are involved in a fight for a place in the DStv Premiership with the University of Pretoria and Richards Bay FC.
However, Baroka’s campaign for a return to the big time is yet to take the desired direction as they find themselves at the foot of the mini-league with two points after three matches.
Suspending Malesela after the team opened the playoffs with a defeat to The Students is seen as a big part of Baroka’s struggles.
But Mphahlele stands by his decision, pointing out they are yet to lose a match under the guidance of outspoken Morgan Mammila.
“Definitely (happy with the decision), it has been two games without a loss,” Mphahlele told media after another 1-1 draw with Tuks at Global Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday.
“We have put ourselves under pressure by letting Tuks beat us in the first game. If it was not that, everything would be okay now.
“We would be on three points and Tuks would be on two points, probably. So, everything will be in our hands,” he said.
“That’s why when we lost the match against Tuks, I said we should lose the match fighting, and playing well.
“I don’t mind losing, but if you lose the match playing like we did today what more would I want from the boys?
“Because even if it was me, I would do the same. They were fighting. They never did anything wrong.”
Mphahlele believes uncalled-for changes by coach Malesela cost his side automatic promotion to the Premiership and that’s why he had to act after the loss to Tuks at the start of the playoffs.
“He lost the match, and he was going to lose the other matches here,” said Mphahlele.
“There was no guarantee that after losing that one match, he was not going to lose another.
“When was the last time he won a match here? A long time (ago), we should have won the league if it was not for him making those unnecessary changes.
“All I say is that if you make stupid mistakes, it’s okay, that’s part of the game, everybody makes mistakes, but we are still in it.”
Baroka’s chance depends on the outcome of the match between Tuks and Bay in Pretoria this Saturday.
The Natal Rich Boyz can confirm their stay in the top tier with a victory over Tuks at the weekend.
Bay are top of the log table with four points and still have two games to play. Meanwhile, Tuks (on four points) and Baroka are remaining with one match to play.
⚽44’ Abrahams
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) June 12, 2024
⚽ 70’ Gebhardt
After a fiercely contested encounter, it ends all square between @Baroka_FC and @AmaTuks in their promotional playoff match. pic.twitter.com/Yu6mZogaoc
