Baroka FC relegation my saddest moment – Nyirenda

A coach, who once steered Baroka FC to their finest hour of glory, has shared his emotions following the South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) team’s relegation to the third-tier league.

Former Baroka FC coach Wedson Nyirenda has described the PSL club’s relegation to the third-tier ABC Motsepe League of South Africa ‘as the saddest moment of his life.’

The #TKO2018FINAL is under the spotlight on #ExtraTime tonight ⚽@Baroka_FC ‘s winning coach Wedson Nyirenda joins @SimplyCarol8 & the team at 20:30 (CAT) on SS4 pic.twitter.com/Ss74aPdqul

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 10, 2018

Baroka, who are also called Bakgakga, were evicted from the second-tier Motsepe Championship to the third tier ABC Motsepe League after suffering a 3-0 loss to Kruger United on Sunday.

The defeat completed the Limpopo-based club’s shock fall from grace in its 18-year history during which it rose through the ranks to earn promotion to the elite PSL.

In 2018, Baroka FC stunned established football power houses all the way to win the Telkom Knockout Cup, thanks to the tactical nous of Nyirenda. However, a few years later, things started falling apart. Soon, the Zambian packed his bags and returned home.

Since that time, Bakgakga have been a story of so-near, yet so far away from redemption. Then came the ultimate blow of being flushed out to the unfashionable ABC Motsepe League.

Reacting to the news of the club’s relegation when Pan Africa Football contacted him in Zambia, Nyirenda could not hide his disappointment.

“It is the saddest moment in my life. I received so many calls and messages yesterday [Sunday] and last night from supporters and fans from South Africa,” the Kaizer Chiefs legend said.

“They complained bitterly and said if I was still there, Baroka could have been bigger than most clubs in SA. It hurts to see the project you handled and become a huge brand just go to waste like that.”

Baroka failed to escape relegation

In October 2025, Baroka FC chairperson Khurishi Mphahlele told his club’s website he believed his side would escape the chop following the arrival of new head coach Tlisane Motaung.

The former University of Pretoria mentor took over the mantle from coach Dan Malesela who was suspended after a poor start to the 2025/26 season.

The Limpopo-based side made history when they stunned Orlando Pirates 3-2 on post-match penalties in the final to lift the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup.

Remaining fixtures for Baroka FC

Now with their relegation a matter of when, Baroka have three academic matches to fulfill. Bakgakga will travel to face Casric Stars on Friday, 1 May 2026. This will be followed by a trip to Cape Town City FC nine days later then wind up with a home meeting against Upington City on 17 May.

Baroka FC anchor the 16-member log table with 19 points from 27 games. Kruger United lead the standings with 55 points from 27 games, eight points ahead of second-ranked Milford FC.