BAROKA FC received a huge boost with the return of their captain, Olaleng Shaku, and Gift Motupa ahead of their Absa Premiership clash with Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
The duo missed Bakgaga’s 1-1 draw with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in their last league match two weeks ago due to injury.
Head coach Kgoloko Thobejane is pleased with the duo’s return.
“We missed them against Pirates, especially the leadership of our captain,” he said.
“They are fit and ready to play. We watched them when we played two friendly matches against Polokwane City and Black Leopards during the Fifa break, and the doctor confirmed that they are fine. That is good news for us.”
But Baroka, who suffered two defeats at the hands of the Chilli Boys last season, will be without their experienced defender, Punch Masenamela.
According to Thobejane, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender suffered a groin injury on Friday and did not travel with the team to Port Elizabeth yesterday.
Commenting on tonight’s game, Thobejane said he was expecting a tough clash, but that Baroka were determined to break United’s hoodoo over them.
United beat Baroka twice in league clashes last season, scoring six goals against them.
“The two-week break has helped us a lot to prepare for this game,” said Thobejane.
“We studied them well and I think they will not repeat what they did to us last season. We will fight for the points and also to avoid another defeat to them.”
Dan “Dance” Maselela’s charges come into this clash on the back of a 2-0 win against AmaZulu in their last league clash. The fact that they beat Bakgaga twice last season will be a huge boost.
United will be relying on the likes of Mark Mayambela, Kurt Lentjies and Moeketsi Sekola to continue their dominance over Baroka.
