Nico clears one but key hurdle remains

‘The rise of Selebi-Phikwe’s green machine was confirmed recently when Nico dumped the second tier boys and joined the elite sides. Nico was relegated to the First Division in 2017 when all ominous signs were on the table. Their return was not guaranteed after the town’s heartbeat, the BCL Mine abruptly ceased in 2015. The excruciating pain spread across a grief-stricken town and caused considerable damage to Selebi-Phikwe’s sports landscape. It was inescapable therefore that Nico, along with established neighbours, Satmos, will feel the ripple effects of BCL’s closure.

Nico’s demotion five seasons ago felt like a club folding more than relegation. Few saw a way back for Majombolo who had given football fans in the former mining town countless moments of ecstasy.