Gaborone — As Nico United punch above their weight in the be MOBILE Premier League, sceptics have dismissed their early charge for a first ever title as nothing but a momentary flame that will soon fizzle out.

There is a widely held view that the 12 points Nico has garnered in the first five games are for their fight against relegation rather than for the title chase. But such sentiment angers club president, Kavis Kario.

"Those are irresponsible statements. People must give credit where it is due," he said.Nico has started brightly, winning four of their five matches, which has taken them to the summit of the table. The club, known for its perennial fights against relegation, has made probably its best start in the top flight.Nico showed glimpses of being a formidable side when Zimbabwean coach, Madinda Ndlovu took them to a fourth place finish in the 2006-2007 season, which was the club's best. It bettered the previous season's fifth finish, achieved under Zambian-born DRC coach, Guston Mutobo.

Before then, it was always the relegation dog-fight. It was the same story last season when Nico narrowly escaped relegation, surviving on the last day. Although the club has improved tremendously, with the last relegation coming in 2003, it has not won silverware.

Nico has become notorious for chopping and changing coaches. Their last campaign was handled by four coaches. The new man in charge now, Paul Gundani comes with a big reputation as a former player but with no known coaching career. However, the former Zimbabwe international has immediately endeared himself to the Majombolo fans. Gundani was a defence stalwart during Reinhardt Fabisch's famed Dream Team in Zimbabwe. He played for the Warriors alongside other acclaimed stars like Ndlovu brothers Madinda, Peter and Adam, Rahman Gumbo, Ephraim Chawanda, Willard Khumalo, Vitalis Takawira, John Phiri and Agent Sawu.A tough tackling right back during his heydays, Gundani has somewhat failed to instil discipline in his defence, but managed with great success to turn Nico into an attacking outfit.

Nico has scored 13 times to tie with Rollers as the best attacking sides in the league but conceded eight times. Their strike force will be crucial to Nico's progress this season.Kario said Nico has the capability to go all the way and win the top honours.

"I believe we have what it takes to go all the way. We have the capacity. I appeal to all players, supporters, officials and sponsors to sustain the support throughout the season," he said.ECCO City Greens' success in the 2006-2007 campaign should serve as a motivation to Selebi-Phikwe's only representatives in the Premier League. The Francistown side, fielding largely unrecognised players, upset the applecart and took the Premier League title to the north for the first time.At Nico, coach Gundani has said their target is a top eight finish rather than chasing the championship. He explained that finishing in the top four will be a bonus. "You are aware that Nico has been fighting relegation for a long time. It is still too early to say we can challenge for the league title.

What is crucial is to lay the foundation. We are not yet there," Gundani said.He has tried to change the mentality of the players and instill a sense of professionalism. He believes it is crucial for players to conduct themselves in a professional manner in order to deliver.

He said that although his charges faltered against Mochudi Centre Chiefs in their first real test in the league this season, they will get results against the 'so-called' big clubs.

The unsung hero in the Nico side is Zimbabwean striker, Tendai Ndoro. Although the youngster will find it difficult to step into the boots of departed striker, Master Masitara, he has served notice with his four goals in five matches.

Seasoned campaigners, Kitso Kowa and Vincent Chikumba have settled quickly in their new environment.