The much-travelled football mentor, Joel Masutha, is the new head coach of Baroka FC. Masutha was introduced to the players and other officials after the team's league game against Leruma United at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo last Saturday. Baroka beat Leruma United 3-1.
Masutha, widely known as "The Prophet," watched Saturday's game from the grandstand. He takes over from Foster Hlongwane, who had been in charge since the beginning of the season. Baroka had registered three victories and three draws under Hlongwane's leadership, which club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele found unsatisfactory.
Introducing Masutha to the players, Mphahlele said the new head coach would join the team for training on Monday morning. In an interview, Mphahlele explained that the decision to appoint Masutha had been made after the club had realised that its ambition to gain promotion to the Betway Premiership Division this season would be unlikely if Hlongwane remained head coach. He added that he was confident Masutha's coaching experience would help Bakgaga achieve their goals.
The 52-year-old Masutha has coached several teams over the years, including Black Leopards, Chippa United, and Royal Eagles. He had been unemployed since his departure from Venda Football Club in the middle of last season.
Masutha told Limpopo Mirror that he had been approached by a number of clubs before accepting the offer from Baroka. He said his decision to join Baroka had been influenced by the team's strong position in the promotion race. He added that he had been following Baroka's games in recent weeks and was impressed with the quality of players in the squad.
Baroka currently sit in 11th place on the log standings with 12 points. Their first league game under Masutha's guidance will be against Cape Town Spurs at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, 22 November.