01 Oct 2024

The independence friendly match between Botswana legends and their South African counterparts brought back fond memories of yesteryear football.

Botswana beat South Africa 3-2 after producing a rousing fightback in the last five minutes at the National Stadium on Monday afternoon.

The match was organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture as part of festivities for the 58th Independence Day celebrations.

Botswana legends team comprised of some of the finest players to have graced the local game, such as Itumeleng ‘Tumie’ Duiker and Naphtally ‘Scara’ Kebalepile, stars of the LCS Gunners team, which ruled local football in the early 1990s.

It also included former Tafic midfield maestro Mmoloki ‘Bestobel’ Sechele, Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane who starred for Gaborone United and several teams abroad, as well as Mogogi ‘Gino’ Gabonamong, Kagiso Tshelametsi, Joel ‘16’ Mogorosi, Phenyo ‘Mzambiya’ Mogala, Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi, Tshepo  ‘Talktalk’ Motlhabankwe and Phadza Butale amongst others.

The visotrs had former Kaizer Chiefs superstar Doctor ‘16V’ Khumalo as its centre of attraction.

It also included former famous names in the Premier Soccer League such as Jerry Skosana, Katlego Mphela, George Lebese, Mthokozisi Yende, Jappie Motale, Isaac Mabotja and goalkeeper Silver Tshabalala among others.

Though age is no longer on their side and most of them have accumulated extra weight, the legends didn’t disappoint as they dished entertaining football to spectators who braved the chilly conditions to watch the match.

Duiker gave Botswana the lead in the fifth minute with a well taken shot from the edge of the penalty area after receiving a pass from Selolwane. Khumalo, who showed some of his trademark deft touches in midfield came close to equalising for South Africa, but his well taken shot rebounded of the cross bar with Tshelametsi well beaten.

Selolwane caused havoc at the other end and tested goalkeeper Tshabalala with a stinging shot.

Mongala troubled Motale with his trickery on the left wing while Mogorosi used his trademark speed to get behind the South African defence on several occasions.

Lebese equalised for South Africa midway through the first half, and then put his team in front a minute before half-time.

The second half saw the two teams cancel each other in midfield with few scoring chances created, until Botswana snatched victory with two late goals from Moloi and Molwantwa.  Ends