Nico retain stars

MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent | Thursday July 10, 2008 00:00

 

There have been fears of an exodus from Nico after it finished fourth - its best ever - as clubs lure away the stars who made this possible.

Top of the list was Zimbabwean dangerman Master Masitara and his compatriot Master Masiku, who were said to have attracted the interest of big clubs in Gaborone. Masitara finished as the country's joint top marksman with Mochudi Centre Chief forward, Jerome Ramatlhakwana. Masiku was instrumental in the middle of the pack and put on some solid displays for Majombolo.

Nico publicity officer, Eitlhomilwe Raditshego said the club has managed to retain all the players and the coach and preparations for the Coca-Cola Cup and the new season are underway. At this stage Majombolo have not brought in new faces although Raditshego did not rule out such a possibility. When the season ended, the future of Ndlovu was uncertain and the coach had said he had to talk to the club first before making a decision.

'There is no way we can part ways with the coach. We have an excellent relationship and we have agreed terms,' Raditshego said. He added that no club has approached them for the services of any of their players. 'It can be rumours but we have not had any formal approach. We have retained all our players for the coming season,' he said. He added that the club is on the market for a defender, who can bring stability at the back.

He said his side has been susceptible in defence and there is need to rectify the situation. Raditshego said Nico is looking for a defensive midfielder to assist Masiku with mopping up operations. In the past season, Masiku often fought tirelessly, winning possession, distributing and at the same time going forward to assist in attack. Raditshego did not rule out signing a striker if the candidate is exceptional. 'It is obvious that Masitara and Fish (Thobo Kgoboge) have set high standards and if we are to sign, we need someone who is exceptional,' he said.

He added that two players who suffered freak injuries towards the end of last season, Odumetse Rakoma and Jotham Marufu had recovered and are back at training.

Raditshego said the duo's recovery means that the coach has a full set of players and the team looks set to improve on last season's finish. 'We want to take off from where we left off last season.

I appeal to our supporters to come out in large numbers in the new season as we have demonstrated that we are a force to reckon with,' he said. He pointed out that Nico had performed above expectations in the past season largely due to support from their sponsor, BCL.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Nico will honour their outstanding players during a prize giving ceremony. Raditshego said the awards are meant to recognise the stakeholders, particularly players.

Masitara, Masiku and Kgoboge are expected to battle it out for the club's most outstanding player after a dream season. Masitara has an edge over his counterparts as he defied the odds to emerge the country's top goal scorer in his debut season. Kgoboge weighed with crucial goals and formed a deadly combination with Masitara, while Masiku was always outstanding in midfield.