Baroka Head Coach Matsimela Thoka says that he does not want the club to be in a relegation battle this season.
Baroka are currently eleventh on the table, and play Cape Town City away on Saturday. City are four points ahead of them, in seventh spot on the DStv Premiership table.
Thoka has been at Baroka for twelve years, meaning he was part of the club through different development divisions and promotional leagues, and now occupies the hot seat. iDiski Times writer Lethabo Kganyago caught up with him to talk about his time at the club and his ambitions in Edition 12.
Thoka says that he under no illusions, and knows that sentiment will play no role if he doesn’t perform, and he is under pressure just like any other coach.
“I can’t say I’m not feeling pressure; I am feeling pressure like any coach, more especially when the team is not getting the results,” Thoka told iDiski Times.
“And for me to stay longer in the team I think I must produce results and put the team in the right position so we can avoid a relegation fight, like in previous seasons.”
“So if the results aren’t coming I don’t think the Chairman will fold his arms and say, ‘no, because it’s Thoka, and he’s been here for a long time…’ That won’t work because for anyone to save their job they must get results.”
“Even with players who do not perform, their contract can be terminated anytime because this is a business.”
“So this man can’t fold his arms and say, ‘this is Thoka and even if the team is going down I don’t want to fire him.’”
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t want to lie to myself and think because I started with team down there they will never fire me. I must just work hard and the results will maintain my job or position.”
You can read the full interview in Edition 12 of iDiski Times
