18 Jun 2025

The much-anticipated Clash of the Legends third edition is set to showcase exceptional football skills and tactics, this Saturday, promising to take spectators on a nostalgic journey through the glory days of football.

The one-day soccer spectacular, which features elite squads from four countries: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, will be held at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. 

Fans can look forward to watching their favourite legendary players who once dominated the football scene.

Team Botswana has assembled an impressive lineup, featuring many players who represented the country in its historic maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations under the tutelage of the late Stanley Tshosane.

The squad includes notable names such as Noah Maposa, Kagiso Tshelametsi, Mompati Thuma, Tshepo Motlhambankwe, Boitumelo Mafoko, Lemponye Tshireletso, Sekhana Koko, Jerome Ramatlhakwane, Ndiapo Letsholathebe, Tshepiso Molwantwa, Pontsho Moloi, Abdenico Powell, and Moreetsi Mosimanyana, among others.

Namibia’s squad boasts talents like Paul Shipanga, Steven Goagab, Amos Shiyuka, Frans Ananias, Alfred Ndyenge, Rudolf Bester, George Hummel, Dennis Bruwer, and Robinson Ijambo.

South Africa has called upon legends such as Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Siboniso Gaxa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Matthew Booth, Happy Jele, Cyril Nzama, Siyabonga Nomvete, Reneilwe Letsholonyana, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Thuso Phala, among others.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has assembled an equally impressive team, including Tapuwa Kapini, Gift Muzadzi, Edelbert Dinha, Masimba Dinyero, Dumisani Mpofu, Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe Nengomasha, Roland Sibanda, Method Mwanjali, Desmond Maringwa, and Willard Katsande.

In an interview, Calendar Stars Coach Joseph Mokgacha, who recently led his team to the premier league, expressed excitement about the tournament.

“Looking at the squad, there are big names that promise to bring exciting moments, but it will depend on their preparation and physical readiness. 

These legends have not been actively participating in soccer for some time, so it will be interesting to see who is fit and ready to perform. The teams seem eager to show us glimpses of their past greatness and it promises to be an exciting event,” he said.

Eleven Angels coach, Shepered Seatlholo also anticipates an entertaining encounter, noting that all participating countries were bringing back household names.

“Fans are curious to see if these former professional players still have something to offer. One would expect the South African legends to win the tournament, as they always exude confidence with their playing style,” he said.

Coach Seatlholo further highlighted that while the Botswana legends were expected to draw a large home crowd, they would need to dig deep to reach the final. He acknowledged the strength of the Zimbabwean team, stating they were no pushovers and could also reach the final, while Namibia, which entered the tournament as underdogs, had the potential to cause an upset. ENDS