05 Feb 2023

Nico United collected all the maximum points and moved to mid-table after an emphatic 2-1 victory against Police XI at Botswana Police College in Otse on Saturday.

The Botswana Premier League clash played under perfect weather conditions proved to be a thriller with end-to-end attacks from the first whistle until the end of regulation time.

Nico United’s new gaffer Monametsi ‘Sunday’ Kelebale had the last laugh and made a positive impression on his third assignment.

He lost 1-2 to Orapa United, shared spoils with second placed Jwaneng Galaxy and inched past Police in his last assignment.

Majombolo as affectionately known in the sport circles, boasts of a talented and youthful team led by newly signed sharp shooters Oratile Mhaladi and Nigel Mlauzi formerly with Highlanders of Bulawayo.

It was Mhaladi who fluffed a marvellous opportunity to put his side on the lead after a cross from a brilliant build-up ended on his path, but his spectacular header bounced off target with the net yawning.

Four minutes later the home side punished visitors with a curling Katlego Masole free kick outside the box.

Referee Leteng Magogwe had awarded Police the free kick after Nico United defenders had illegally stopped the latters’ marauding attack.

Brandon Chinyani, who scored against Galaxy last weekend, once again proved his mettle after rounding off Lesego Bosekeng and tapping inside an empty net to level matters.

Nico United opened the attack after scoring, but indecisiveness inside their opponents’ danger area cost them.Police only concrete chance fell to veteran attacking mid -fielder Betsho Pius, who has now switched to a more defensive role whose clever chip was tipped for a corner by a fully stretched Thero Seremane for a corner.

High octane action continued inside the second stanza and Majombolo pressed on from where they left off.

Botsile Kebaikanye fired in a scorcher and Mhaladi unselfishly laid a great pass for Kebaikanye to finish off and extend his side’s lead.

Chinyani failed to grab his brace after a reflex, save from Police shot stopper Bosekeng.

Kelebale realised Chinyani was running out of steam and immediately called him off throwing in Mlauzi.

The visitors held on to their hard-earned victory with Kudakwashe Tsvamuno and Kelvin Ndebele brilliant in thwarting any threat from their opponents.

In other league games played on Saturday, Mogoditshane Fighters recovered from their embarrassing defeat last weekend to put two past Eleven Angels.

Galaxy continued their rich vein of form with a resounding 3-1 victory against Morupule Wanders.

Orapa United piled pressure on the beleaguered BDF XI beating them 3-0. ENDS