Nico boss refutes allegations

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

He denied that the players have demanded the Zimbabwean's dismissal. 'There is nothing like that. If a team is not performing well, it would always be associated with negative things but get it from me, we have not experienced such problems and we are fine,' Nkoborwane said. Nico insiders have told Mmegi Sport that the poor results are due to the failing tactics of the coach and the players have taken up the matter with management. Since joining Nico from Township Rollers last year, Ndlovu has had little peace because of poor results. His charges have registered only two wins since the season started.

Although Nkoborwane disputed it, those close to the club management disclosed that officials are divided on the issue of the coach. It is alleged that Nkoborwane and communications officer Ethumile Raditshego supports Ndlovu while the other officials are against him. To show their disapproval, sources say the players boycotted a friendly four-team tournament last weekend at Serowe. The tournament was supposed to feature two First Division sides Miscellaneous and Motlakase together with a Division One team, Maphatshwa. It is said Nico players made excuses to avoid the Serowe trip. Nkororwane does not dispute that they failed to appear at the tournament. 'Yes, we failed to attend the tournament because we had a breakdown while on our way there. But we communicated with teams in Serowe about the breakdown and they understood,' said the Nico chairman.

Nkoborwane pointed out that the relationship between the players and the coach is cordial. He explained that if players had grievances, management could have been aware. He said that up to now, everything is in order and they are looking forward to improving their log position. 'We regularly hold meetings with players and we talk to them on a regular basis through their captain. Our team has experienced administrators who could sense when trouble is coming. But for now we have not experienced any problems,' he said confidently.

He conceded that Nico has fared badly since last season though they escaped relegation and the current executive committee, which took office last September, and the technical team, are trying hard to pull the club out of danger. He lamented that like any other team, Nico is struggling financially and this might affect the players' morale. Apart from financial problems, Nkoborwane claimed that Majombolo's house is in order. 

When contacted for comment, the usually arrogant Ndlovu said: 'I have been with Nico for almost a year now. Whoever gave you that story let him talk to you. Talk to those players who made those things. I am not going to comment'.