On their day, Nico United have proven that they can be merciless. After their exploits in recent times, those close to the Selebi-Phikwe side cannot be blamed for thinking that their side stands a chance of proceeding to the semi-finals of the Mascom Top 8.
Majombolo host inconsistent Gaborone United (GU) at Molepolole Sports Stadium in the second leg of Mascom Top 8 quarterfinal this evening. (Kick off 6pm).
Nico go into the game trailing 2-1 and many believe that they can do the unthinkable and boot out the Reds from the competition. After giving Mochudi Centre Chiefs a serious scare in last year’s competition before bowing out on goal difference, there is no doubt that those close to GU should be worried. Under the tutelage of Elijah Chikwanda, Majombolo have been playing attractive football, which has won them some fans along the way.
In the first leg played at the same venue a fortnight ago, Nico failed to come to the party, something which Chikwanda attributed to the sweltering temperatures on the day, But with his side having the benefit of playing under cool conditions, it will be interesting to see if the Copper-Nickel town side can come to the party.
Nico go into the game having registered two consecutive league wins while the same cannot be said about their opponents.
Nico midfielder, Topo Piet, who scored their only goal in the first leg said that they are ready to take the bull by the horns.
“We’re coming there to fight and I’ve no doubt that we’ll be victorious in the end. We were a bit disappointing in the first leg but this time around we’ll not compromise,” said Piet.
Majombolo arrived in Gaborone yesterday for the final preparations of their must win game. In their quest to get through to the semis, Chikwanda will heavily rely on Piet, Bonolo Fraizer and Master Masitara to score the goals.
After making his debut in a disappointing 2-1 loss to ECCO City Greens in Francistown in midweek, goalkeeper Kagiso Tshelametse said that his side will have to put up an improved show if they are to make it to the semis.
“We owe it to our supporters and the only way to thank them is by beating Nico. It’s not going to be an easy game but we have no choice. Our performance has declined in the recent games but I have no doubt that the technical team will come up with a better plan for the upcoming game,” Tshelametse said on Friday morning.
The outspoken goalie pointed out that their defeats to Prisons XI and ECCO in the league served as a wake-up call.
“We know that our supporters are disappointed in us but we’ll make them proud against Nico,” he continued.
Some section of GU supporters have blamed coach David Bright for the recent losses saying that he has failed to come up with a consistent line-up since he joined the Reds at the beginning of the season. Last weekend, GU bowed out of the CAF Confederations Cup when they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Mozambican side Liga Maculmana.
