Nico in final push for promotion
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday May 7, 2022 06:00
Second-placed Eleven Angels have managed 29 points from 17 matches. A victory for Nico United on Saturday will mean that the Selebi-Phikwe side need only four points in their last two matches to attain an unassailable lead and win promotion to the Premier League. They might even win promotion sooner than anticipated if Angels drop some points.
On Saturday, Nico will be home to Chadibe FC who are not considered a threat to Majombolo's promotion match. Chadibe has been inconsistent in recent weeks after starting the season on a high note. Nico, who are fresh from playing to a 1-1 draw against Angels, are yet to lose a match at home. In fact, their good run has seen them recording a single loss this season. In another weekend clash, third-placed Santa Green will be eager to strengthen their push for a second playoff spot when they host Peace Makers in Mahalapye. Santa Green have accumulated 25 points in the league, the same number of points as Makers who have surprised many this season. The Bobonong outfit currently occupies the third position and are behind their weekend opponents on account of an inferior goal difference.
Also on Saturday, Francistown outfit, Calendars Stars will be home to Motlakase Power Dynamos. The hosts played to a goalless draw against Makers in Bobonong on Monday. Motlakase come into the match high in confidence after recording a 2-1 victory against a struggling Miscellaneous in the Serowe Derby. Another struggling side, Maun Terrors will be away to Green Lovers in Serowe. Lovers have also had a poor season. Terrors have managed nine points from 17 matches while Lovers who lost 2-1 to Chadibe last weekend, are at position 10 with 19 points, four points above TAFIC who occupy the last relegation spot but have a game in hand. On Sunday, Sankoyo Bush Bucks who are one place (22 points) above Lovers will face seventh-placed Miscellaneous who have managed to turn around their season after a slow start.
Perhaps the biggest fixture on Sunday will be between TAFIC and Angels. The encounter will be at the Francistown Stadium. TAFIC are in a very precarious position. They have accumulated 15 points from 16 matches and are four points from safety. 'Ndipe ndikupe' must do everything to avoid defeat. Defeat will leave them inching closer to relegation.
The undoing is that in Angels, they are playing a side that has been doing very well. Angels are in pole position to qualify for the play-offs with Nico almost assured of automatic promotion to the Premier League.