Baroka in top form for the Nedbank Cup
With a reputation of upsetting football bigwigs, the National First Division table-toppers Baroka FC reckon they are on course to inflict severe wounds when they swing into the Nedbank Cup action
Talismanic Baroka FC, Thabiso Kutumela will lead his team in the Nedbank Cup on December 15.
POLOKWANE – With a reputation of upsetting football bigwigs, the National First Division (NFD) table-toppers Baroka FC reckon they are on course to inflict severe wounds when they swing into the Nedbank Cup action on 15 December at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Ga-Mphahlele-based outfit has been pitted against the high-riding Royal Eagles FC.
The Nedbank Cup is hailed as the South African version of the world famous FA Cup.
Out of the 16 teams, eight will advance to the first round of the Nedbank Cup which will include the 16 PSL clubs and another eight from the South African Football Association’s (Safa) regions. The matches will be played on 15 and 16 December.
Baroka were among the lesser known teams who stole the limelight at the Nedbank Cup in the past.
Four years ago Baroka, who played in the Safa regional league in Limpopo at the time, sent shock waves through the spectators when they trounced Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs on the way to the semifinals.
Morgan Mammila, Baroka manager, outlined the team’s priorities, citing the league as their key precedence.
At the moment, our key priority is the league. However, I must state categorically that there will be a lot of focus directed at the Nedbank Cup as well. As a team, we are what we are because of the Nedbank Cup. We are serious about it. There is nothing stopping us from being at the top of the log and also winning the Nedbank Cup.
Baroka is currently perched at the summit of the 16-team NFD log standings with an impressive 27-point lead.
After playing 12 matches, they have won eight times, lost only once and drawn three times.
Their counterparts, Royal Eagles, are just behind them at number five after 12 matches – six victories, three losses and three draws.
The Nedbank Cup is a crucial tournament for Baroka and their target man, Thabiso Kutumela, should grab the bull by the horns.
A total of 12 matches played and 12 goals scored means Kutumela has pulled comfortably clear of the pack in the race for the NFD top goal-scorer award. He has been on fire this season, his 12 goals forming almost half of Baroka’s total of 27 goals.
The Mokopane-born footballer said he was ready to shine.
Nkosinathi Ndlovu, Kutumela’s club-mate and closest rival on the NFD scoring charts, comes in second, but has scored only six goals.
