Legends dust off cobwebs in Ghetto
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 20, 2025 10:30
The 'Ghetto' is expected to come to a standstill as the region's football legends lace their boots for the third edition of Clash of Legends to be held at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Francistown becomes the first to host the four-team contest as the 2025 edition has seen an increase from the initial two sides. For the first two editions, it was a contest that featured local legends against traditional rivals, South African legends. Tomorrow, fans will be treated to the golden skills of legends from Botswana and South Africa with Namibia and Zimbabwe making their debut. The 2025 Clash of Legends will feature four games and the four countries' pride is at stake as football celebrates careers that once lit up stadiums across Southern Africa. As football pays tribute to these legends, future stars stand to benefit with the organisers committing the proceeds to the welfare of former and present players, and youth initiatives.
The organisers will help one beneficiary from each of the visiting teams with an additional three local beneficiaries. Local schools in Francistown will host some of the legends this afternoon for coaching clinics, as the former stars share their knowledge with stars of the future. Despite being a friendly contest, the competing teams are not letting off after naming star-studded line ups. Botswana legends' squad includes Mochudi Centre Chiefs' head coach, Pontsho Moloi, former goal machine, Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa and the first player to captain Zebras at AFCON finals, Mompati Thuma. Dirang Moloi who recently hung his boots is expected to be a fan favourite. The defending champions, South Africa have lined up favourites that include former Kaizer Chiefs' duo of Simphiwe Tshabalala and Itumeleng Khune as well as former Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvete. 'Bhele' as he is affectionately known, holds the record of goals in the South African league decades after his retirement. He has played in age groups of the South African national teams and played in the World Cup. New entrants, Namibia have an exciting frontline that includes, Henrico Botes and Rudolf Bester who banged goals in the South African league in their days.
The inclusion of Brian 'Groot 14' Brendell, a household name in Namibian football and a part of Namibia's golden generation of the 2000s has sparked some excitement from the western neighbours. Brendell played a key part in Namibia's 2008 AFCON qualification and became an iconic midfielder in the local league. Zimbabwe is going all out in their debut in the tournament. The dynamic midfield duo of Tinashe Nengomasha and Willard Katsande are expected to thrill the fans in Francistown. The pair was instrumental in the Kaizer Chiefs midfield although in different generations and became household names in the region. Former Notwane head coach, Gilbert Mushangazike and iconic Peter Ndlovu are in the team. Botswana will take on Namibia in the first semifinal to kick off at 9am whilst South Africa and Zimbabwe face off in the second semifinal at 11am. The third-place match kicks off at 3pm whilst the final will be played at 6pm.
What You Need To Know Venue: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium with 26,000 capacity Gates Open: 7am Weather conditions: Mostly sunny with temperatures as high as 25º Celsius. Zero chances of rain. 38% humid with wind blowing at 19km/h. Tickets selling at: P60 for Grand Stand. P40 for Panda Stand. P30 for North and South Stands. Performances from: Culture Spears, Lioness Ratang, DR Vom, and Bana Ba Ntongwa.