Nico partners with Phikwe Cultural Group
Tapela Morapedi | Tuesday April 11, 2017 16:15
Nico Supporters Club chairman, John Mokgosi Madema revealed the partnership on Saturday at the club’s poorly attended sponsored walk. He said their partnership with the award winning traditional dance group is part of the club’s initiative to accelerate plans to motivate the players and mobilise resources to help the club survive relegation.
Phikwe Cultural Group leader, Mokwadi Malapela thanked Nico for having confidence in the group to help mobilise young people to continue supporting the club. He said this football-meets-the-arts partnership is a welcome idea that will provide a broader mobilisation of supporters across the town. He said raising funds for the club needs concerted efforts by all stakeholders.
Phikwe Cultural Group is a traditional dance ensemble that was formed in 2007. The group won the President’s Day competition in 2010 and was sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sport Development and Culture to participate in a cultural exchange programme in the United States.
Phikwe Cultural Group is expected to lead the fans in song and dance at Nico’s games to bring back the vibe and create an entertaining ambience at the stands.
Chief walker, Selebi-Phikwe deputy mayor, Molefi Pilane challenged the club to evaluate their model of running the club.
He pointed out that Nico needs to re-look into their strategy to align it with the current best practices of running a successful club. He said there is need for a robust business model that will help the club attract investors. Pilane said investors’ trust could be lured by the logic of a more efficient organisation with a strategy that yields results.
He encouraged the club to stand up and dust themselves off and start strategising for a better future without BCL, noting that Nico must not die just because BCL has been closed.
The deputy mayor bemoaned the fall of former premiership side, FC Satmos, which has now been relegated to the third division. He said Nico together with Satmos have played a key role in the development of the economy of the town.
He also highlighted the importance of the leadership of the town to rally behind the club and offer their support. He cited Francistown mayor Sylvia Muzila’s efforts in supporting TAFIC regain its popularity.
Meanwhile, Nico managed to raise about P10,000 from the sponsored walk. The club is yet to collect other pledges from the business community and individuals. Nico are still in the red and lost 4-2 to Orapa United on Friday night.