Coach's departure part of a broader sporting strategy - Nico United
staff writer | Tuesday June 30, 2026 11:12
Njavera’s career at the Selebi-Phikwe-based side came to a halt at the end of the season after his contract was not renewed, much to the surprise of some sections of the football fraternity.
The Zimbabwean gaffer led Nico United to a top eight finish last season, but the club has since released a statement saying the decision to let him go was part of strategy to strengthen the club.
“Following a comprehensive review of the season, the club made the decision not to renew coach Njavera's contract,” the club said in statement released on Sunday.
“This decision, like every football decision made by Nico United, forms part of a broader sporting strategy aimed at strengthening the club for the future.”
The club highlighted that football is an ever-evolving game, and that at every level, clubs continually assess their technical structures, playing personnel and long-term objectives.
“Coaching changes, player recruitment and player departures are all part of building a team capable of competing consistently and achieving its ambitions,” it added.
The club’s statement follows comments attributed to Njavera in which he reportedly said they did well in the first round but lacked the quality in the squad maintain the form in the second round.
Nico have since responded to the comments saying while they respect Njavera's right to reflect on his time at Nico United, the club disagrees with his public assessment of the playing squad.
“At Nico United, we firmly believe in the quality, commitment and potential of every player who represents this club. Many of our players continue to develop their careers, and it is precisely because of that potential that they were entrusted with representing the team. “Publicly characterising players as having 'reached their ceiling' neither reflects the club's position nor serves the interests of player development,” the club says in the statement.
The statement also states that like every professional football club, Nico recognise that players are at different stages of their development.
“It is precisely for that reason that the role of a technical team extends beyond selecting a matchday squad. It includes developing players, improving performance, building confidence and creating an environment where individuals and the team can continue to grow,” the statement says.