10 Feb 2015

Nico United walloped their home rivals, FC Satmos ,1-0 in a Selebi Phikwe derby in a be Mobile Premier League encounter that took place at the Selebi Phikwe Stadium over the weekend.

Both teams are perched at the bottom of the league log at position 13 and 14t  respectively. They should start collecting points to at least move a step up away from the relegation zone.

With Nico and Satmos having played at least four games each in the second leg of the elite league and roughly 11 more games left to play, both teams need to tighten their belts and put a bit more oomph in their play to retain their stay in the elite league.

During the derby, no goals were scored in the first half of the encounter.  Though the game kicked off on a slow pace and gradually picking up to speed, the game became more physical as more players from both sides received yellow cards. 

In total, six yellow cards were handed over to three players of Satmos and Nico respectively. In the second half, both teams came determined to make a difference but no goals were scored until Nico’s captain Richard Legwaila’s brilliant goal from outside the goal keeper’s box put ‘Majombolo’ up front nearly 20 minutes before the final whistle.

Satmos tried desperately to come back into the game but failed to utilise some opportunities availed to hit the net as most shots went wide or above the post. Nico continued to close the gaps and not let any stupid mistake cost them the three points they collected.

In an interview Coach Kenneth Mogae of Satmos expressed disappointment at the loss.

 He said his boys failed to utilise opportunities available to score and at the end of it, they reaped a dreadful loss. However, he commended his boys for effort they put in the game. 

He explained that though he joined Satmos recently, the team is still struggling; however, they intend to fight all the way and maintain their stay in the elite league.

For his part, Coach Wesley Mondo of Nico said Satmos gave them a difficult time on the field. He said though his boys triumphed against Satmos, it was a tough game for them to reckon with.

He said they approached Satmos with caution knowing that it would not be an easy walk in the park and that if they gave the team an opportunity to close in the keeper’s area and score, they were bound to lose the game.

He expressed gratitude at his boys for securing a win noting that this shows that they are determined to collect more points and strive maintain their stay in the premier league.

We are working hard and our focus is not to fall off the elite league but to maintain our stay and if we end up in the top eight, it will be a bonus for us, “he said. ENDS