18 Jun 2023

The electric atmosphere generated by the multitudes of fans who thronged the National Stadium on Saturday to witness Botswana and South African football legends spelt a resounding success for the Clash of Legends match.

The visiting Bafana Bafana legends defeated their hosts Zebras legends through a sudden death penalty shootout decider.

However, the result was less important than the carnival atmosphere generated by the multitudes who came in support of the noble objective of raising funds for former Zebras stars Mosimanegape ‘Twizzer’ Ramohibidu, Mpalela Bolelang and Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping.

Despite the controversy of a few former Zebras stars not endorsing the event, and the game being played on the same date as the current Zebras facing Libya in an AFCON qualifier in Francistown, invoking the ire of national coach Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote, the Clash of Legends was successful.

South Africa were the first to settle into their neat passing football and some ‘Kasi Flava’ skills they are renowned for, with the likes of Jabu (Pule)

Mahlangu and Steve Lekolea dishing out the skills they had become famous for over the years.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane added shape, steel and composure to the visitors’ midfield, with Simphiwe Tshabalala working to link their midfield with attack. Earlier on, Bafana earned a penalty after a rash Mompati Thuma challenge in the box prompted the referee to point to the spot kick; only for Mahlangu to balloon the ball wide of Kagiso Tshelametsi’s goal.

Despite South Africa missing the early penalty, Botswana still took time to settle and moments later, a ball into the box from the left reached an unmarked Lekolea, who slotted home at the near post, giving Bafana Bafana legends a 1-0 lead they would take to the break.

As the match progressed, Zebras legends steadily grew in confidence, with the effervescent Dirang Moloi orchestrating some moves in the middle of the park that allowed the hosts to retain possession and launch arrays into the attacking channels.

As the Zebras possession play improved, Sekhana ‘Nandos Chicken’ Koko and Pontsho Moloi did well to try and drive the ball forward into pockets of space in the final third.

Dirang Moloi equalised for the Zebras legends with a sublime solo goal, dribbling past his markers, beating the goalkeeper before calmly converting into an empty net to make it 1-1.

An excited crowd held up their hands and lit their phones to create a picturesque view, for the sight to complement the sounds emanating from the stands. Finishing 1-1 in regulation time necessitated the penalty shootout decider, South African legends winning 5-4 after sudden death.

It was a day of football and camaraderie; showcase of talent; expression of compassion with former players in need; plus the huge attendance meant the Clash of Legends nonetheless proved football was still what the legendary Pele called the Beautiful Game. Ends