Former Orlando Pirates administrator Floyd Mbele has taken over the ownership of the ambitious Botswana Premier League side, Nico United Sports Club.
The groundbreaking move marks Mbele’s return to football since leaving his position at Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership in January 2024. Mbele had a short spell with Babina Noko as part of the club’s management between 2023 and 2024, where he worked closely with the club’s technical team, overseeing a handful of operations, including player recruitment.
Before joining Sekhukhune, the experienced administrator had served in various positions at the Soweto giants, where he established himself as one of the respected figures in South African football.
Mbele, who also had a spell with the now-defunct Platinum Stars, has taken over a fresh challenge at Nico United, an ambitious club that is keen on becoming one of the household names in Botswana.
FLOYD MBELE TRANSITION INTO CLUB OWNERSHIP
“The executive committee of Nico United Sports Club is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the club’s ownership transition to 99.99 Sports led by Mr Floyd Mbele,” the club said in a statement on Monday. “The transition process was conducted with exceptional integrity and professional cooperation by all parties involved.
“Under the new ownership structure, Nico United Sports Club retains a minority shareholding in Nico United FC (Pty) Ltd, thereby ensuring a custodial link between the club’s heritage and its professional future. This structure further provides the football club with access to both ladies’ and youth teams, reinforcing a holistic and sustainable development pathway.
“Throughout the negotiations process, both parties demonstrated a remarkable harmony and mutual respect, laying a strong foundation of goodwill for this new era. Meanwhile, the seamless transfer of ownership stands as a testament to a shared commitment to the club’s best interest and its enduring legacy.
“The outgoing Executive Committee expresses its full confidence in Mr Mbele and remains available to support the new management to ensure a smooth and effective integration. We wish 99.99 Sports success in its inaugural season as we collectively embark on this promising new chapter.”
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