28 Jul 2015

Nico United emerged the winners of the Selebi Phikwe charity tournament that took place in the copper nickel mining town over the weekend.   

Teams that took part in the tournament included FC Satmos, Real Movers and No Mathata FC.

Nico were crowned champions after beating Satmos 6-5 in a penalty shootout in the final.   

The two team went into extra time with one goal each. In the first round of the tournament, FC Satmos knocked out Real Movers by beating them 2-0 while Nico United walloped No-Mathata 5-0.  

Nico’s coach, Wesley Mondo said the charity tournament served as a preparatory session for his team ahead of the premier league season. He said he gave all his players a run so as to assess their fitness levels and to try different combinations.

He expressed concern that some of his players did not pass the fitness test, adding that they have a lot of work to get ready for the premier league.

For his part, Satmos coach Kenneth Mogae shared the same sentiments as Mondo. He also noted that his boys were not match fit as they have been on holiday. He said the games were an eye opener.

The deputy mayor of Selebi Phikwe, Molefhi Pilane commended the organisers of the charity tournament, and explained that funds raised would help those in need. He said the event could help boost the business sector of Selebi Phikwe, and play a role in diversifying the economy of the region.

He noted that the tournament helps to market teams from the mining town while bringing people together in support of sport.

The chairperson of Botswana Football Association in the Selebi Phikwe region, Barulaganye Moloi praised the leadership of the town for attending the event. He said proceeds from the games would be donated to 12 needy children who would be identified by the Social and Community Development Office.

He also thanked sponsors and donors such as Daily Needs Supermarket, Metropolitan, Dune Float Investment, Rassie Travel and Tours, Choppies Supermarket and Ishmael Hall, among others. He also commended the multitudes of football fans who attended the event. Ends