Although Dynamos have been relegated to the Safa second division after finishing their National First Division League programme at the bottom of the log last season, Limpopo Province will still have two teams in the NFD.

This follows the promotion of the Sekhukhune-based side, Baroka FC. Baroka represented the province in the Safa second division national promotional play-offs which were staged at the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg last week.

Baroka were in Group A, together with Umthatha Bucks, Mbombela United FC, Cape Town All Stars and Young Stars. Unlike in the past two seasons, where Baroka represented the province in the same event and came back with empty hands, this time around their performance was by far above average.

Their opening match was against Umthatha Bucks, whom they crushed 4-0. Mbombela United FC were the second victim and they were brutally walloped 4-1. The team which gave Baroka the toughest match was Cape Town All Stars. Baroka narrowly beat them 1-0. Young Stars were the last on the hit list and they, too, could not escape a beating. They lost 1-3 and thus made Baroka the Group A champions with 12 points.

Maluti FET College finished on top of Group B. The champions from their respective groups gain promotion to the National First Division. Baroka played against Maluti FET College on Sunday afternoon to determine the overall champions and Baroka emerged  victorious 2-1.

The coach of Baroka, Mr Sello Chokoe, was the winner of the coach of the tournament award. The team’s goalkeeper, Veli Mothwa, took home the best goalkeeper award, while player of the tournament and top goal scorer awards went to Khunadi Nkoana, also from Baroka. Nkoana scored six goals in the tournament.