It just didn't work out

Baroka FC have once again underlined their reputation as one of the most stable and forward-thinking clubs outside the Betway Premiership. In a glittering event held in Sandton and attended by Soccer Laduma, the club unveiled their 2025/26 home and away kits alongside the announcement of a major new sponsorship deal with the Mafori Group. Soccer Laduma’s Masebe Qina sat down with returning midfielder Collins Makgaka, who opens up about his journey back to Bakgakga, his time at Orlando Pirates, working under coach Dan Malesela, and his hunger to get back to the top-flight.

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Masebe Qina: Welcome back to Baroka, Collins. It's great to finally catch up with you for the first time since your return to the club last season. How does it feel to be back, especially as the team begins a new chapter with Mafori Group as the headline sponsor?

Collins Makgaka: Firstly, it feels great to be back at Baroka. This is the club where it all started for me - it's where people first got to know who I was. This past season didn't go the way I had hoped. I came here thinking I'd get more game time, like before, but things were different. It wasn't easy at first. But when coach Dan Malesela came in, things started to turn around. That's when I began to enjoy football again. I got back on the field, started feeling confident again, and I've really appreciated that. So yes, it's been a good return, and I'm happy to be part of this new chapter.

MQ: Would you say your early struggles might have been linked to a lack of regular game time at your previous club, perhaps affecting your sharpness and fitness when you arrived?

CM: I'm not completely sure what caused the struggles. Maybe it was a lack of game time or just the change in environment. Different coaches have different preferences, and sometimes that works against you. I didn't play much that season, so I wasn't able to contribute the way I wanted. That's why I've come into this season with the mindset to do better and make a real impact.

MQ: You mentioned coach Dan, how does it feel to be working with him in preseason, knowing that a strong start could help you get back to your best and into the starting lineup regularly?