Baroka FC Releases Players Before Season Ends

The Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Baroka FC, has made a decisive move by releasing three players before the season’s conclusion.
Lifa Hlongwane, Maneke Mehlape, and Masilake Pohlongo are the players deemed surplus to requirements by coach Dan Malesela. Malesela believes they haven’t contributed sufficiently to the team’s goals.
Baroka, which was relegated from the topflight last season (finishing as the only team without an away win and second side to do so), is unlikely to achieve an immediate return. Clinton Larsen’s Magesi, another Limpopo club, currently leads the Motsepe League standings with 49 points, a commanding 13-point lead over Malesela’s side.
A victory for Magesi in their next match would mathematically eliminate Baroka from the promotion race with four games remaining. This significant gap likely influenced Malesela’s decision, as he doesn’t see a need for the released players next season in the lower division.
Hlongwane’s departure is particularly noteworthy, as he was also released by Maritzburg United last season for off-field issues.
Despite the player releases, Baroka still has a chance to finish in the top three and secure a playoff spot. Their remaining fixtures include Hungry Lions, Upington City, Marumo Gallants, JDR Stars, and University of Pretoria.
Picture courtesy of Baroka
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[…] season, he was released by Baroka FC in April 2023/24, along with Maneke Mehlape and Masilake Pohlongo, by then-coach Dan […]