Malesela Comes Back to Baroka FC

Coach Dan Malesela is set to make a return to Baroka FC after fruitful reconciliation talks between the two sides, as noted by Sportswire.

Malesela was recently released from Marumo Gallants following their loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last month and is currently a free agent.

His return comes at a crucial time as Baroka’s hopes for promotion are fading with each passing game. Previously, Malesela was let go by Baroka after their first defeat to the University of Pretoria during the PSL relegation and Promotion Playoff last season. Following that setback, he was suspended by the club with chairman Khurishi Mphahlele referencing conduct issues and announcing an internal investigation.

Subsequently, Baroka brought in Morgan Mammila, aiming to keep promotion dreams alive. However, Richards Bay ultimately preserved their PSL status, resulting in Baroka’s significant defeat in the final playoff match at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Notably, Malesela, who was appointed in October 2024 to see out the season, had previously led Baroka to a commendable third-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, earning a playoff opportunity.

Baroka, the first Limpopo team to secure a major trophy—the 2018/19 Telkom Knockout against Orlando Pirates—faced relegation at the end of the 2021/22 season, becoming the second team in PSL history to be relegated without registering an away win.

Currently, Baroka sits in eighth position on the table with 29 points from 22 matches, trailing the playoff spot in third place by seven points.

Malesela will be the fourth coach for Baroka this season. After a shaky start, Mammila was let go, followed by Joel Masutha.

Amukelani Hlungwane, who took over on an interim basis, has had difficulty securing results, having lost the last two matches and prompting the club to implement yet another change within the technical team.