Baroka and Black Leopards: Once Limpopo's pride, now shadows of their former selves

Battle for return to elite league tough for wilting giants

- By Nakampe Lekwadu

Dan Malesela

The once-proud Limpopo giants, Baroka FC and Black Leopards, who previously flew the province's flag high in the DStv Premiership, have now become mere shadows of their former selves in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Both sides, who were once feared opponents in South African football, have turned into whipping boys of the country’s second-tier league and now face the real threat of relegation if they don’t urgently improve their performances.

Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has done commendable work in building modern facilities for the club. In fact, Bakgaga ba Ga-Mphahlele remain the only team in South Africa that plays its home matches at its own stadium - the Baroka Stadium in Lebowakgomo.

However, poor decision-making and inconsistent management have derailed the club’s progress in recent years.