AFCON 2012 squad takes on Bafana legends
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday April 15, 2023 06:00
The event dubbed 'Clash of the Legends' is for a charity cause to raise awareness on the dire terrains the yesteryear players endure upon retirement. In addition, three of the Zebras' 2012 squad will benefit from the proceeds of the friendly game.
The trio of former striker, Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang, wing-back, Boitumelo 'Twizer' Ramoshibidu and Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping, who have fallen on hard times, will be the beneficiaries. Six social clubs will contest in a curtain raiser ahead of the Legends match. The social teams will play three matches dubbed 'Play For Chippa', 'Play For Jomo', and 'Play For Twizer'.
The six social clubs are Ga Inoswa, Swaggerboys, Monate, United Artists, Mas Fina and PV Monko. Speaking at the launch of the Legends match held in Gaborone this week, the organiser, Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko said only inactive and retired players from the Zebras' AFCON 2012 squad will be considered for selection. He said a lot of retired players struggle with life after football and the event would help come up with interventions on how they could be assisted. He further pleaded with the corporate world to lend their hand and assist the former players by being part of the 'Clash of Legends' exercise. "The event is on the 17th and on the 16th, on the Day of the African Child, we will be part of the celebrations at one of the schools.
Our visitors will also be part of it to share messages of encouragement with the students. We will also do some refurbishment in the school and conduct a coaching clinic in the selected school," Koko said. Former Bafana Bafana defender, Matthew Booth said the initiative has received a lot of interest from the South African legends as they also feel the pinch of life after football.
He mentioned the likes of Stanton Lewis, Derrick Spencer, Teko Modise, Simphiwe Tshabalala, and Josta Dladla among others who have shown interest. "It is also great that there is the involvement of social clubs in this. As we all know that social clubs and amateur clubs are the basis of our professional leagues in Southern Africa, so it is great to have them involved. We are also informed that there will be a great turnout so this also presents a lot of opportunities for spectators," Booth said.
The former defender was in the company of former Kaizer Chiefs star, Jabu 'Shuffle' Mahlangu.