Nico's spectacular fall

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday February 5, 2010 00:00

Nico has seen a horrible run produce only three points in seven outings. The green and yellow outfit beat BMC 1-0 on December 19, halting a long winless streak dating back to October 31.

The poor run started after their 1-0 home win over Uniao Flamengo Santos in October. The Paul Gundani-coached outfit were winless in November, then managed one victory in December. They finished January without a win and reports of unrest in the camp do not suggest an immediate turn around in fortunes.

Nico are perennial relegation fighters but have managed to sustain their place in the top flight for six consecutive seasons. Along the way, they managed to achieve their best ever finish, when they ended fourth under Madinda Ndlovu in the 2007-2009 season. Currently, things do not look rosy for a side that has won only once in eleven outings. Nico started the season on fire winning five matches in six outings and rising to top spot.

But a bad spell began in November when the team managed to collect only two out of a possible 12 points. Majombolo were winless for the next six matches until the horrendous run was halted by a 1-0 win over BMC 1-0 on December 19. But that was a temporary reprieve as their poor form continued. After the Christmas break, Nico fell 2-1 to BDF XI before another loss to Extension Gunners at home. In the reverse fixture against BDF XI last weekend, they were beaten 2-0, prompting the suspension of Gundani and his assistant Peter Muchina. Club spokesperson, Patrick Gaofetoge denied that the coach has been suspended but impeccable sources confirmed that Gundani is no longer handling training sessions.

It is understood that Nico chairman, Eitlhomilwe Raditshego has been sidelined as a power struggle engulf the Selebi-Phikwe side.

Some players, among them, Ephat Sekwata have deserted and the club, which enjoys partial backing from BCL, is in the doldrums.

With the downward slide, it all points to another season in the relegation dog fight.

Leading goal scorer, Tendai Ndoro has lost his form and the inspiration of seasoned players like Vincent Chikumba, Kitso Kowa, Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge, Odumetse Rakomo and Tefo Molefe is absent.

The management has instituted an investigation to find the root cause of the decline in performance. But it is not clear if this is an issue of mismanagement or players performing badly. Some supporters have reportedly voiced their concern over the way the club is run.

Early in the season, there were reports that Raditshego was favouring certain players.Although he brushed aside the claims, it was evident trouble was fomenting at the Selebi-Phikwe club as results on the pitch bear testimony.