Mqondisi Dube
19 December 2008
Selebi-Phikwe — It will be the "battle of the strugglers" as Nico United take on Uniao Flamengo Santos in a be Mobile Premier League encounter here tomorrow.
United, 15th going into the match are fancied to collect only their second victory of the season against an equally struggling Santos' side.
Ironically, both sides were brilliant last season with Santos' chasing for honours at one stage. But both clubs have undergone radical changes, which have seen their form dip.
The two clubs would look to use the January window to strengthen their sides.
It is baffling how, for a Santos side that reached the finals of the Coke Cup finds itself rooted at the bottom of the log.
For a team that boasts a number of notable stars like national team player, Vincent Pirie, Lolo Mosojane, speedy striker Tapela Ngwenya and young sensation Mogakolodi Ngele being at the bottom of the standings is an injustice to their fans.
Although Santos' spokesperson Mathews Mookodi has said it is too early to press the panic button, the club is advised to start collecting early points. Only a point from the opening six games is not sufficient for a club that set the bar high last season. The departure of coach Raphael Phiri for indifferent results seems to have triggered the club's decline.
The Santos technical bench does not look stable with another coach, Chris Chibuye arriving and leaving in a huff.
This has left veteran player Kgosietsile 'Parker' Mampori in charge, and he is not expected to compete with seasoned gaffers like Gaborone United's Mike Sithole.
Mookodi argues that their game has improved but results are not forthcoming. Santos must be reminded that teams have played great games but still get relegated at the end of the season. South Africa's Thembisa Classic is a case in point. The team played entertaining, flowing football but without results, which saw them being relegated from the premiership.
Santos are coming from a 3-2 defeat at the hands of defending champions. Nico United would fancy their chances at home after an improved display against Township Rollers at Molepolole last weekend.
Despite a 2-1 defeat, Nico showed vast improvement following the team's two heavy defeats, a 5-3 drubbing to Ecco and the 6-1 humiliation at the hands of GU. Majombolo, also languishing at the wrong end of the table, have only managed a narrow 3-2 victory against Boteti Young Fighters in their six games to date.
Stand in coach Peter Muchina will be hoping that his charges fire from all cylinders and give their suffering fans something to cheer about this Christmas.
Ironically, at this stage last year, Nico was struggling to get results but somehow managed to turn the corner just before the festive season break.
Muchina, who is holding fort while Guston Mutobo's paper work is being sorted out, will be looking to Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge and Master Masitara for the vital goals.
He would be hoping that his defence keeps it tight just like in the game against Rollers.
The defence has been the team's Achilles heel, having leaked in 15 goals in six games.
Nico spokesperson Matlhale Malepa said the team had shown tremendous improvement against Rollers and managed to keep the score line respectable. With a bit of composure, Malepa said, the Selebi-Phikwe based side could have come away with a point in Molepolole. "We missed a few chances but I am glad that we showed a lot of improvement. It was really encouraging," Malepa said.
Midfielder Master Masiku, who has been linked with a move to Rollers during the January transfer window, is expected to feature in tomorrow's game, which kicks off at 4pm.
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