Another PSL scalp for Baroka
GIANT killers Baroka FC have been handed an away semifinal draw against SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup, while Free State Stars have a home tie against Orlando Pirates.
The draw for the last four was conducted at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium directly after the National First Division frontrunners booked their semifinal berth by beating Polokwane City 2-0 yesterday.
The semifinals are on May 14 and 15. The venues are still to be announced.
Pirates and Stars have shared the spoils this season in the league with 1-0 home victories each.
Baroka, who will be meeting SuperSport for the first time, pulled off another giant-killing act to reach the semifinal for the second time in five years, despite never having played in the top flight.
They have now taken three topflight scalps in booking a place in this year’s last four, but even more incredibly playing with a lineup featuring several fringe players.
Top scorer Thabiso Kutumela was again left on the bench but his absence went unnoticed as Albert Mothupa and Collins Makgaka scored the goals
What was expected to be a wild, pacey game between two teams who only know how to play one way – on the attack – proved rather pedestrian through the first 40 minutes with a high turnover of possession, too many mistakes, wayward shooting and a lack of creativity.
But it suddenly came alive in the 42nd minute as Baroka swung in a free kick that Jacky Motshegwa hammered against the crossbar with a flying header and fullback Mothupa followed up from close range.
Within two more minutes, Baroka were suddenly two up as the persistence of Donald Mokondelela on the flank saw him keep possession despite several defensive challenges before setting up Makgaka with a curling cross.
Baroka, who upset Chippa United and Lamontville Golden Arrows in the previous two rounds, brought on Kutumela soon after the break, but it was Motshegwa who had all the chances in the second half.
He missed several opportunities as Baroka continued to stretch Polokwane’s defence and make the PSL side look ordinary.
Julio Leal pushed more attackers on for Polokwane in an attempt to try and get back into the game, but it made no impact.
Polokwane City, who meet Orlando Pirates in the league on Wednesday, made only one real effort in the second half when Jorry Matjila’s flying shot forced a diving save out of Oscraine Masuluke in the latter stages.
Baroka were also semifinalists in 2011 when their victims on their way to the last four included Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.
“We’ll take anyone of the others in the final, we are an elephant in this province,” Baroka coach Kgoloko Thobejane said after yesterday’s game.
Free State Stars reached the semifinals with a 5-4 penalties victory against Bidvest Wits at Goble Park in Bethlehem on Saturday.
The ninth-placed Free State side turn their attention back to the PSL tomorrow night when they host Maritzburg United at Goble Park.
Stars coach Giovanni Solinas said of his side’s chances of winning the Nedbank Cup: “It is a dream. For me, for the players and for the club.
“In football, anything is possible, but predictions are impossible.”
