Baroka chairman clarifies why Leicesterford City are using Baroka FC Village

Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele says Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City FC are using the Baroka FC Village because the facility is open to professional clubs needing a suitable venue.

Leicesterford City played their first home match of the season at the Baroka FC Village, where they defeated Orbit College FC 1-0. The club have chosen the venue as their new home, prompting questions about the relationship between the two sides.

Mphahlele insists he has not bought Leicesterford City and says the arrangement does not represent a takeover or ownership link.

“I have not bought Leicesterford City; everybody is allowed to come and play at the Baroka Village, even the PSL are welcome to make use of it if they want to. This is a public facility,” Mphahlele explains to KickOff.

The Baroka chairman said the availability of the venue was part of his effort to address the shortage of suitable football facilities in the area. He believes professional football clubs should not be forced to leave their communities simply because they lack an appropriate ground and supporting infrastructure.

“I’m playing my part in solving the problem of a lack of facilities for PSL clubs. There is nothing in our area. So we won’t allow professional football to perish in our area.

“Leicesterford took that opportunity, and they played their home match here and won. Everybody can book. There’s a contract, but it states clearly they will book only when the venue is available.

The agreement therefore allows Leicesterford City to use the Baroka FC Village when it is free, rather than guaranteeing exclusive access to the facility. Mphahlele added that any other club, including teams from the Premier Soccer League, could also make use of the venue if they wished to do so.

The complex offers more than a playing surface. Leicesterford City’s squad stayed at the Baroka FC Village before their match against Orbit College FC over the weekend, allowing the team to prepare and remain on site ahead of the fixture.

“We have everything here at the Baroka Village; the Leicesterford City squad slept here and played here on our premises before their game against Orbit over the weekend.

Baroka FC Village includes accommodation, a restaurant, a hall and a swimming pool. Mphahlele said the facilities are fully stocked and designed to provide clubs with the key services they require during their stay.

“We have accommodation; we have rooms here. There is a restaurant here, there is a hall, there is a pool and everything. The place is well stocked; once you get in, you never go out.”

Leicesterford City’s 1-0 victory over Orbit College FC was their first home game of the campaign at the Baroka FC Village. The result also marked the beginning of their use of the facility as their home venue, subject to its availability under the contract.