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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WORRIED about his team’s poor conversion rate in the Botswana Premier Soccer League, Nico United coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube will be heading to the market in search of a striker when the January transfer window opens.
Ncube, who is in his first coaching job in Botswana, has presided over six matches for the Selibe-Phikwe based club, amassing six points from one win, three draws.
He has suffered two defeats, to Township Rollers (3-0) as well Security Systems (1-0).
Nico United have managed just one goal in six matches, which they scored on the first day of the season when they edged Sua Flamingoes who were then coached by another Zimbabwean gaffer Rahman Gumbo. They went on to play goalless draws against BDF XI, Prison XI and Mogoditshane Fighters.
In an interview from his Selibe-Phikwe base ahead of Nico United’s clash against log leaders Gaborone United tomorrow at Royal Aria Stadium, the former Njube Sundowns, Bulawayo City and Harare City coach said they need to improve on their conversion rate.
He said he is confident that despite a slow start, his team which is on position 10 with six points, can survive relegation if they address their problems upfront.
“The main objective this season is to fight relegation. We make sure the team finishes in a respectable position. We will be getting into the market to beef up the squad, especially the strike force as that’s the area we are lacking,” said Ncube.
He will be hoping that his team doesn’t slip into relegation before the transfer window opens as they will play against Eleven Angels and Extension Gunners after facing Gaborone United.
Ncube knows that only results can appease Nico United’s fans.
“Well, in the first place, it was not easy to carry the bag and leave the country and family but certain circumstances pushed me and now I’ve to deliver. I think one of the major challenges I’m facing is the language barrier even though I’m still learning.
“The fans are hostile, similar to those of Highlanders who want results. They love their team and what they want is to see it winning all the time,” Ncube said.
Nico United is home to two Zimbabwean players, ex-Caps United winger Kelvin Ndebele and forward Tinashe Chinyani formerly with Harare City. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter