The players of Baroka FC were lucky to survive an accident when their bus collided with a vehicle on Sunday evening. They were on their way home after their NFD match against United FC at the Maruleng Stadium near Rustenburg in the Northwest.

The accident took place on the Lebowakgomo-Polokwane road at about 22:00. At the time of going to press, the driver of the bus was still in hospital. Six players and two officials were injured but discharged from hospital after treatment.

In a statement issued by the chief executive officer of the Premier Soccer League, Mr Brand de Villiers, on Monday, he wishes the officials and players a speedy recovery. The statement further indicates that the league is working closely with the club to ensure that they assist where possible.

The accident meant a double blow to the National First Division rookies as they suffered a 0-4 drubbing at the hands of United FC that afternoon. When asked how the accident would affect their preparations for their coming matches, the team’s head coach, Mr Sello Chokoe, said that they had registered 30 players this season. He further indicated that, apart from the fact that they had registered 30 players, the injuries which the players had suffered were minor.

Baroka will host the pace setters, Milano United FC, in their league encounter at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow. Milano United are still to drop a league point this season, having won all the league matches they have played to date.