With three games left of a gripping title contest, the jury is still out after Jwaneng Galaxy also ground a result against Matebele while TAFIC held on to the leaders' coattails with a late 1-0 win over Orapa United. At the Gaborone United Stadium on Saturday, GU were forced to wait for 58 minutes by a resolute Nico side that refused to provide the red carpet for the leaders. But nerves were eased when Mpho Kgaswane created space for himself and slammed past the Nico keeper just before the hour mark. Kgamanyane then put the result beyond doubt with a late brace, which helped the Reds to stay ahead of Galaxy by a plus one goal difference.
Both teams are on 57 points, with TAFIC two adrift. GU coach, Dimitar Pantev was happy with the way his boys played and said there was need for urgency in the second half to break down a stubborn Nico defence. "I think the game was good. Second half was better, even the first half was not bad although we were not clinical. We tried to move the ball quicker (in the second half) to try and open more spaces between their defenders. They are a stronger team physically, they tried to play well and we tried to use our advantage and our confidence grew," he told SportMonitor. Pantev is confident GU can go all the way and win the title. "It's three matches left and every match we are going for three points. I believe we can do it and I trust in my guys and their qualities, players like Messi (Kgamanyane), Tally (Lebogang Ditsile) try and give confidence to young players," he added.
While GU are at the top end of the table, Nico is fighting hard to avoid relegation as they sit just five points above the automatic spot for the drop. The Selebi-Phikwe side remained 12th, above Security Systems and BDF XI with one of the three looking likely to join Chadibe and Uniao Flamingo Santos in the First Division next season. Nico coach, Mandla Mpofu felt that his charges played well but dropped heads after conceding the first goal. "We acquitted the game plan very well especially in the first half. We contained the pressure and remember we were playing a team that is chasing the championship. I think the boys did well, but in the second half we lacked the mental strength when we collapsed. The first goal demoralised us," Mpofu said.
He believes Nico can escape the dreaded axe and still be in the top flight next season. "The only thing is to channel our energy on to the next games. I don't think we are a bad team. If we survive I can build a better team for the next season. I am very much confident of surviving relegation. I will psyche the boys, it's all about mental strength. If other teams win, we are under pressure, if they lose its to our advantage," Mpofu said.
