Nico declares possibility to go for league title

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 11, 2025 09:19

The Selebi-Phikwe-based side are quietly building what could turn out to be a historic campaign.

Following a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Matebele FC at the Gaborone United Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Nico climbed to third on the FNB Premiership table just five points adrift leaders, Gaborone United.

Njavera admitted his team might have underestimated their struggling hosts but praised his players’ resilience in fighting back to snatch the all-important three points on the road.

“We took our opponents for granted looking at their position in the league, but I am impressed with how my troops responded to claim the maximum points away from home,” he told reporters after the match.

He added that while the primary target remains a top-eight finish, the team would not hold back if a title opportunity presented itself.

“Our target is top eight if it allows, and it will show on its own to say, guys, let us go for the league (championship).

“We are going for the league and it is possible,” Njavera boldly declared.

Matebele, who are battling at the bottom end of the table, had taken a deserved lead in the 34th minute.

In-form striker Mokhele Moloisane had pounced inside the box to fire home and hand the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.

But Nico returned from the break with renewed purpose and intensity.

Midfielder Thabo Motlhabane restored parity in the 58th minute after being teed up by the industrious Moabi Phuthego.

Three minutes later, substitute Pako Gaofose completed the comeback, slotting home from another Phuthego assist to make it 2-1.

The Baby Jombies showed composure and defensive maturity in the dying stages to hold off a late Matebele surge, sealing their fifth win of the campaign, adding to five draws and a single loss in 11 outings.

With confidence and form building steadily, Njavera’s men have every reason to believe that their maiden league title dream may not be far-fetched after all.

The teams:

Nico United: Lesang Senne, Tumisang Mokopi, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Stephane Mothwalo, Seabe Toteng, Tawanda Zinaka, Ngoy Mani Gloire (Ronald Moipolai), Thabo Motlhabane, Moabi Phuthego, Arnold Lekwape (Pako Gaofose), Nigel Mlauzi

Matebele: Cedric Ramojela, Patrick Pilo, Motheo Floyd-Mogapi, Kefilwe Sekgopi, Maatla Magosha, Mompati Mbidza, Nonofo Dikulu, Anorld Obuseng, Yashe Dambe, Maloisane Mokhele, Chris Mwamba

Matebele 1 (Moloisane 34th) Nico United 2 (Motlhabane 58th, Gaofose 61st)