16 Aug 2016

Nico United executive committee held a one day Phikwe Football tournament' on August 13, that included teams from the beMOBILE Premiership, first and second division leagues.

The teams were Nico, Orapa United, Tafic and Stonebreakers. 

 The day kicked off with an encounter between Nico and Orapa United battling it out, which was won by Orapa United by 2-0.

The second game of the tournament was between Tafic and Bobonong-based, Stonebreakers, which was won by the latter 2-1.

 In the losers final, Nico managed to beat Stonebreakers 2-1. 

Both the teams went to half time with a goal each and the Selebi Phikwe team managed to extend lead nearly 15 minutes before the final whistle.

Orapa United and Tafic took the field in the final game and drew 1-1. 

However the teams did not go into penalties in the finals due to time. 

However, Orapa United was declared the winners of the tournament on aggregate followed by Tafic on second position, while Nico settled for third position and Stonebreakers on the fourth position.

In an interview, member of the Nico executive committee , Masego Ntsatsi   expressed disappointment that the tournament was not well attended and  said they organised the event to give Nico and other teams a chance to prepare for the upcoming season. 

He said since Nico had to recruit players after losing a large number to other teams, they used the tournament to try out the new players currently linked to the team adding that they had not signed them yet. 

He said another tournament has been planned to take place in Francistown this coming weekend where new players would be on trial again. 

He said he hoped that after the tournament they would be able to sign new players.

He mentioned that Nico was currently struggling financially as they do not have a permanent sponsor since BCL Mine pulled out as the financier of the team.  Currently, he said they relied on donors from individuals. 

He called on the community and business to assist the team where possible. ENDS