Nico United's fight to clinch this season's be MOBILE Premier League title suffered a dent on Saturday when they lost 3-2 to Township Rollers at Molepolole Sports Complex. With log leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs away in Democratic Republic of Congo for CAF Champions League, Nico had a chance to move to the summit of the log standings.
A victory would have seen them move three points clear at the top of the league table although Chiefs have two matches in hand. But playing against a side that had lost two matches in a row, they failed to take advantage.Nico missed their star striker, Master Masitara in the line up. Former ECCO City Greens striker, Robert Tamba played alongside Bonolo Fraizer upfront for Majombolo. Rollers on the other hand missed Sekhana Koko and Oscar Ncenga through injuries. Rollers' coach, Darlington Dodo made several changes to the starting line up. Lovemore Murirwa, Thato Bolweleng and Ntesang Simanyana were relegated to the bench while Edwin Olerile returned from injury. Maano Ditshupo played behind Onalethata Tshekiso up front while Baros Bodigelo operated on the right wing. They played the whole match without making any substitution. The match lived up to expectations with two pulsating halves perhaps because of an early goal by Rollers' speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye. Nico responded through their exciting attacker, Topo Piet with a beautiful curling free kick in the 15th minute. Despite end-to-end action in the first half, neither side managed to find the back of the net again. However, Rollers got an early goal again in the second half through Tshekiso from the penalty spot after Nico captain, Richard Legwaila fouled Ditshupo in the box. Ditshupo doubled the advantage 15 minutes later, capitalising on a mistake by Nico goalkeeper, Basimanebotlhe Moilwa after a counter-attack. Nico had pinned Rollers in their half in search of an equaliser but were caught cold when goalkeeper, Mwampule Masule released Simisane Mathumo.
