On Saturday, we found out that a true fairytale was not possible. Many threw their weight behind the idea that Baroka FC could be the first non-PSL side to win the Nedbank Cup, and they have certainly come close on a couple occasions. The 2-0 loss to SuperSport United confirmed the dream was over for this season, but this has not dampened spirits in Limpopo one bit…
"I'm sad that we are out of the cup, but actually not that sad because we are about to get promotion," Baroka FC fan Thabo Mabowa said.
"I am happy to be part of Baroka, it is a big community."
It seems the thought of bowing out of the cup in the semi-finals has not even crossed the minds of the Baroka faithful.
"I'm just too excited to be in the PSL. The supporters are too excited. Last night we were celebrating when Highlands Park lost," he continued.
"We won the league outside of our own hands, just like Leicester City (laughs)."
This is not the first time someone has drawn comparisons between Baroka and Leicester. If Bakgaga do go on to win the PSL one day, then it will be a story comparable to no other, not even the Foxes'.
"It's so cool! We are going to be in the PSL! I'm so proud of the boys," he added.
Baroka were unfortunate not to make it further in the Nedbank Cup. To be fair, they were playing in alien conditions – bucketing rain and howling winds – on top of this, they were up against a tactically superior SuperSport United, and seemed to have abandoned their entertaining playing style that has won over so many hearts.
They also had two goals disallowed for marginal offsides; on another day, with different linesmen, the score may have been 2-2. However, it was not the case this time around, and all credit must go to Matsatsantsa for the victory.
Credit must go to Baroka, too, for reaching the semi-finals, and for their stellar season in general.
It was a day when football won.
How do you see Baroka doing in the PSL next season?