Limpopo football is facing one of its most difficult periods in recent years after Black Leopards and Baroka FC were officially relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe League.
With one match still remaining this season, Baroka FC are rooted at the bottom of the table after managing only four wins throughout a disastrous campaign, while Black Leopards are set to finish second from bottom. Their relegation marks the fall of two of Limpopo’s most recognised football institutions.
Baroka’s relegation was officially confirmed following their 3-1 defeat to newly crowned league champions Kruger United at Mafori Village in Lebowakgomo on 26 April 2026, a result that sent shockwaves throughout the Limpopo football fraternity.
Bakgaga’s journey has long been regarded as one of South African football’s greatest fairytales. The club rose from the local LFA ranks to the Premiership in 2016 under chairman Khurishi Mphahlele, becoming the only professional football club in South Africa to own its own stadium. They also made history in 2018 by defeating Orlando Pirates to win the Telkom Knockout, becoming the first Limpopo club to lift a major domestic cup.
Now, however, Baroka find themselves returning to the amateur ranks of the ABC Motsepe League.
Mphahlele has since taken full responsibility for the club’s relegation, admitting that the warning signs were visible from the beginning of the season.
Yes, I will take the blame because if we succeed, I am the one who takes the back seat, but if we lose, I am the one who takes the front seat,” said Mphahlele.
He also revealed concerns over the team’s poor pre-season preparations, saying the club struggled even in friendly matches despite retaining most of the previous squad and coaching staff. However, he dismissed suggestions that a lack of experienced players contributed to the relegation, pointing to senior players such as Badra Ali Sangare, Ananias Gebhardt, Bonginkosi Makume, and Collins Makgaka as proof that the squad had enough experience and quality.
Meanwhile, Black Leopards’ relegation has also taken a dramatic turn off the field. The club has reportedly enlisted respected Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi in a final attempt to save their professional status through arbitration.
Leopards are challenging the PSL’s decision surrounding the withdrawal of registration cards for new signings at the start of the season, an issue that forced the club to play their opening four matches under extraordinary circumstances. In one match against Casric Stars, Leopards fielded only 10 players and were forced to use outfield player Thendo Mukumela as an emergency goalkeeper.
The club also played several matches without meeting Under-23 player requirements due to confusion surrounding a FIFA-related registration issue inherited after purchasing the status of All Stars FC. Leopards argue that FIFA later confirmed the club was not banned at the time the registrations were withheld.
The arbitration outcome could determine whether those four fixtures are replayed, potentially impacting the club’s relegation status.
As it stands, Venḓa Football Club will be the only Limpopo-based club competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next season, highlighting the province’s shrinking presence in the country’s second tier.
The situation becomes even more concerning with Magesi FC currently sitting at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table with only two matches left to play, placing their top-flight status in serious danger.
Despite the setbacks, Limpopo still maintains representation in the Betway Premiership through Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United. Although Sekhukhune United are based in Gauteng, Babina Noko continue to play their home matches at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
For years, clubs such as Black Leopards, Baroka FC and Polokwane City have carried the hopes of Limpopo football. However, the relegation of two historic clubs now signals a worrying shift and raises serious questions about the future strength and sustainability of football in the province.