Baroka’s hard win marred by protest

FOLLOWING a three-match drought without a win, Baroka FC was supposed to celebrate their hard fought 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in their National First Division match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Instead they faced a disciplinary hearing to claim the three points they collected. Rovers lodged a protest prior to the kick-off, claiming that Baroka FC goalkeeper, Veli Mothwa was not properly registered.

In November last year, Mothwa faced a Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary hearing after signing contracts with both Baroca FC and PSL club, Polokwane City. The PSL disciplinary committee met on November 14, where Mothwa was found guilty.

He appealed the decision and a final decision is still pending.

Baroka FC CEO, Morgan Mammila said he did not see a copy of Rover’s protest and could not confirm which Fifa rules they allegedly contravened. “I don’t know what they are complaining about because Veli is our player,” Mammila said.

He confirmed that it was not the first time that Mothwa’s inclusion raised eyebrows. “A couple of teams protested about his inclusion in the first round, but nothing came of it. Maybe Rovers have found new evidence, but we will study the documents and respond to them accordingly.”

Baroka head coach, Sello Chokoe said the protest could have been lodged at a pre-match meeting with the match commissioner, but Rovers chose to do it just before kick-off so that every player could see what was happening in order to dampen their spirits.

“I have spoken to Veli so that he could keep his head high. I am happy he is concentrating on his game because we need him for the remaining two matches,” said Chokoe.

Baroka are seated in third position with 46 points from 28 matches. They are tied with second placed Milano United on points, but Milano leads with five goals.

Milano beat Black Leopards 2-0 on Sunday to push the Venda-based club into fourth place.

Baroka’s next assignment will be another trip to Cape Town for a date with wounded Vasco da Gama on Sunday afternoon.

Vasco’s 2-1 loss to African Warriors ended their promotion aspirations.