DStv Prem Team Profile: Baroka FC

Baroka FC were hoping to compete for a top-eight place in the Absa Premiership during the 2019/20 season.

The Limpopo-based outfit was dreaming big after clinching their maiden major trophy, which was the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup under coach Wedson Nyirenda.

The team had a promising start to the season, but the wheels began coming off for Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele between September and October 2019.

Baroka parted ways with their Zambian tactician Nyirenda in December 2019 and he was replaced by English tactician Dylan Kerr, who pinned the team's hopes of surviving relegation on young striker Evidence Makgopa.

The 20-year-old player did not disappoint as he impressively netted four goals from eight matches in his debut season in the South African top-flight league.

Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele managed to avoid relegation to the GladAfrica Championship on the last day of the season with a vital 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs and the team finished 14th on the league standings.

Transfers In

Themba Chauke (Polokwane City), Cheslyn Jampies (Uthongathi FC), Oscarine Masuluke (TS Sporting) and Augustine Mahlonoko (Orlando Pirates).

Transfer Out

Prince Nxumalo, Kamogelo Mogaswa, Ranga Chivaviro, Mogau Khwinana, Ayanda Dlamini, Ivan Mahwangahaya, Mandisi Gadla, Ethen Sampson, Khulekani Madondo, Collins Makgaka and Tebogo Sodi.

Players To Watch

Elvis Chipezeze enjoyed a solid season between the sticks for Baroka as the experienced goalkeeper kept nine clean sheets from 27 matches in the league.

The Zimbabwe international was a consistent performer for the team and he was rewarded with the captain's armband and he will once again be one of Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele's key players.

Evidence Makgopa took to the PSL like a duck to water as he quickly became a reliable goalscorer for Baroka after joining the club midway through the 2019/20 season.

The lethal centre forward is set to carry Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele's goalscoring burden and prove that he is not a one-season wonder after impressing in his debut campaign.

2020/21 Season

Baroka will once again be one of the relegation candidates and the future of their head coach Dylan Kerr is uncertain as he is currently suspended by the club.

The 53-year-old tactician has been suspended for alleged insubordination and this has surely affected the team's preparations for the new term.

Former Orlando Pirates starlet Augustine Mahlonoko is an exciting addition while the experienced Cheslyn Jampies has improved the team's defence.

However, Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele will struggle due to their poor pre-season preparations and lack of depth in some areas and they look destined to finish 15th on the standings.