Gloom For Selebi-Phikwe As Nico Relegate
Tapela Morapedi | Monday May 29, 2017 15:29
Majombolo will now compete in the Debswana First Division North.
Nico’s fate of surviving relegation did not lie in their own hands; they virtually depended on the outcome of Miscellaneous and Police XI games.
Miscellaneous’ 5-0 victory against Green Lovers in Serowe and a goalless draw by Police XI against Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Maun delivered the endgame for the Baby Jombies. Nico however did not depart without resistance.
They tried to put up a gallant fight, but the slight flicker of resistance came in little too late when the verdict had already been delivered.
Hotspurs coach, Candy Tsheboeng said his side came to honour the fixture and to play for fun.
Mandlaenkosi Sibanda found the back of the net in the 14th minute and the game went into recess with, “AmaHot” leading 1-0.
After halftime, Nico continued their cold play of the second stanza until Mpoeleng Mpoeleng raised his hand and delivered a banger to level the score line.
Hotspurs’ captain, Edwin Raditsebe was red carded for a dangerous tackle in the box on his Nico opposite number, Mpoeleng.
Nico were awarded a penalty and Stopper converted, registering a brace.
After the two goals, Hotspurs’ defence looked tired and dismantled, making way for Nico’s Baboloki Tathego and Keamogetse Ganetsang to score a further two goals.
Nico’s coach, Peter Muchina said they tried their best under the circumstances but that chapter has ended.
They will now be readying themselves for a new life in the dusty grounds of first division.
“We lost too many games with huge margins and it made life difficult for us. If your success depends on other teams then you are in trouble,” he said
Nico staggers out of the BTC Premiership having accumulated 32 points from nine wins, five draws and 16 losses from 30 league matches.
Police XI’s draw against Sankoyo took the Cops to 32 points but with a -6 goal difference compared to Nico’s -18.