Zambian Coach Reuben Njavera Appointed Botswana’s Nico United Coach

Zambian coach Reuben Njavera has been appointed head coach of Botswana Premier League side Nico United, becoming one of the few Zambian tacticians currently leading a top-tier side outside the country.

Njavera confirmed his appointment in an exclusive interview with Bolanews, stating that his immediate goal is to steer the mining town club based in Selebi-Phikwe to a top-eight finish in the league and make a deep run in the FA Cup.

“Actually, the target is just simple,” Njavera said. “It’s to reach top-eight status in the league and also try to reach a feather in the FA Cup, because that’s the only major trophy that we have here. If we are able to reach maybe the quarter-final or even up to the final, it would be a good achievement; it would be a record on its own because Nico has never reached that stage.”

The former Zambia U-17 and U-20 assistant coach joins Nico United after a strong stint at VTM FC, another Botswana Premier League side.

Njavera’s coaching career spans over two decades, beginning in 2002 with Lusaka Celtics. He led the club to Premier League promotion in 2003 and again in 2005 after a brief relegation. His résumé includes assistant roles at Kansanshi Dynamos, Napsa Stars, and Young Green Eagles in Kafue.

Njavera made his move to Botswana in 2023, first joining Holy Ghost before being picked up by VTM.

His new club, Nico United, plays in the mining town of Selebi-Phikwe in northern Botswana and has traditionally struggled for top-tier consistency.