20 Jun 2025

 President Advocate Duma Boko will be among scores of football supporters, who will throng Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Saturday for the third installment of the Clash of the Legends tournament.

The highly anticipated event features legendary football players from four countries: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, showcasing some of the best talents from the golden era of South African football.

According to the tournament organiser, Sekhana Koko, who is also a member of the Botswana team, the aim of the event was to support athletes across all sports disciplines who had suffered injuries or accidents that had ended their careers prematurely.

Koko revealed that while the tournament started with just two countries, Botswana and South Africa, for its third edition billed for this Saturday, Namibia and Zimbabwe had been added to the line-up, making it a truly regional celebration of football legends.

He explained that hosting the tournament in Francistown was intentional, to give local supporters a chance to see the players who once dazzled football fans with their exceptional skills.

Koko urged all supporters to come out in large numbers to witness these legendary players perform live at the stadium.

Meanwhile, for each of the four teams, there are some key players to watch.

As for team Botswana, fans will be eager to see Jerome ‘JJ’ Ramatlhakwane, remembered for his crucial goal that helped Botswana qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2012.

For South Africa, Siphiwe Tshabalala, renowned for scoring the opening goal for South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be a highlight. His goal was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award.

As for Zimbabwe, goalkeeper Gift Muzadzi, who has been capped multiple times for the Zimbabwean national team and was part of the 2006 AFCON squad in Egypt, will also be a crowd favourite.

On the other hand, the Namibian squad will feature the likes of Frans Ananias, a midfielder who played for Namibia at AFCON 1998 and has been capped several times.

One football enthusiast, Tumelo Mokgethi, expressed excitement about witnessing players he grew up hearing of on the radio, during the era of Veselin Jelusic. He predicted that South Africa might win the tournament due to their strong football history, with Botswana expected to come second thanks to their home advantage.

Yaone Kgari, a young entrepreneur and camera operator, noted that the tournament would attract more visitors to Francistown, increasing business for local vendors. He also shared his belief that South Africa squad, with their legendary players, would likely emerge victorious.

This year’s edition of Clash of the Legends promises to bring entertainment and leisure to the people of Francistown.

The tournament will kick off early morning, with matches between Botswana and Namibia starting at 9am, followed by South Africa and Zimbabwe at 11am.

The losers’ final will be at 3pm whereas the final will be played later in the evening at 6pm. ENDS