It is now official, Baroka FC will be plying their trade in the PSL next season. A team that has taken South Africa by storm, one cannot help but sit up and listen as the giant killers rumble closer to the big leagues. On top of this, the team is proudly Limpopean, proudly born and bred. This has meant that a lot of Limpopo-based supporters of other clubs now have a place to call home…
One such supporter is Baroka superfan Thabo Mabowa, who recently caught up with Supporters Club. He says Bakgaga's support base is growing day by day. He used to sell T-shirts outside the stadium, and says he now receives more than 15 calls a day asking where people can buy Baroka merchandise.
He believes Baroka's support is expanding so much now that they have three supporters branches: one in Moroka, one in Thembisa, and one in Mamelodi.
"I am one of those who converted from Chiefs to Baroka," he revealed.
"Many people have done so, including the chairman of my branch."
Here's what he had to say when he was asked why this sudden conversion is taking place.
"Because now we have a decent home team, people in Limpopo have not had this in a very long time," he added.
"I supported Chiefs because I had no choice, I had no team.
"Now we have a place to call home."
Mabowa believes that this may be only half the reason for the exodus, the rest of the reason being that supporters have become disgruntled with Kaizer Chiefs' style of football this season, which has resulted in a record amount of draws. This is in sharp contrast to Bakgaga, who embody the spirit of kasi flavour, and have some impressive tricks and play quick attacking football.
South Africa can barely wait to welcome this new club to the PSL. Many have forecasted that they will upset a lot of teams, and if the past is anything to go by, they will do it in style. And if they do it right, they will win a lot of hearts along the way.
Do you think it is still important to support a team from your home province?