Nico edge GU to extend winning streak

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday December 3, 2010 00:00

 

Nico did not disappoint its supporters who came in large numbers as they piled pressure on GU from the first whistle. Majombolo found the back of the net as early as the eighth minute through a cracker from striker Bernard Semakwezi.

GU equalised in the second half via the boot of Ntesang Shimanyana who came in as a substitute for Tumisang 'Butcher' Sekanonyane. The goal did not dampen the spirits of Majombolo who continued attacking from all angles and were duly rewarded in the dying minutes. Zimbabwean striker, Tendai Ndoro proved why he is among the league's leading goal scorers when he netted the winner.

The speedy striker has found the back of the net 12 times this season. Nico has 22 points and has moved to position five after languishing in the bottom half of the 16-team competition last month.

GU coach, Mike Sithole said his players played well though they conceded two goals. He said GU was a better side in the second half although he conceded that the hosts played well in the first period. 

Sithole said the red card to defender, Kabo 'Branco' Molokwane and the injury to goalkeeper, Gontse Tlhowe upset his game plan.

'Nico were able to score their second goal after Molokwane was sent off. My team also suffered a blow when our goalkeeper, Gontse Tlhowe was injured in the first half after a collision with Semakwezi. I had no choice but to substitute Tlhowe and that destroyed my strategy for the game,' said Sithole. He explained that they are currently building the team as evidenced by the youthful players that GU is using.

Sithole said it was unfortunate that Ofentse Nato did not take part in the game due to injury.

He said it was evident that Nico came into the game motivated after their weekend win over title challengers, ECCO City Greens. He said they will strengthen their squad when the transfer window opens in January.

Nico assistant coach, Toba Mothuba was impressed with the way his players performed. He said the players displayed brilliant football and put maximum effort. He pointed out that Majombolo were in a better physical condition than GU as 'The Money Machine' did not play over the weekend. 'My players were physically better. Our win against ECCO has really changed the mindset of the players. This game was a good preparation for our fixture against Extension Gunners on Saturday (tomorrow),' he said.

Mothuba explained that they have made some changes in the squad because they realised that they were conceding goals through the central defence. He said they needed a defender who has power, speed and aerial ability  and striker Monametsi Kelebale has the qualities.

He asserted that they have therefore decided to field the striker as a central defender.  'That is his position and he is doing very well. You have seen how he handled GU strikers.

'The substitution of Semakwezi did not affect our game plan because we have enough depth on our bench. We put a player who did the job for us,' he said. Mothuba said Nico players are motivated because their financial backer, BCL mine has increased the sponsorship and added winning bonuses. Majombolo has acquired the services of a new coach from Zambia, Elijah Chikwanda who is yet to sit on the bench as his papers are still being sorted.

During the GU game, the coach was seen on the stands taking notes and giving instructions to the technical bench.