South African legends seal third straight title
Football
South Africa’s football greats rolled back the years in style as they thrashed hosts Botswana 4–1 in the final of the Clash of the Legends Cup, held on 21 June at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
The emphatic victory secured South Africa’s third consecutive title in the tournament, which featured former stars from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.
Namibia secured a well-deserved third place after overcoming Zimbabwe 4–2 in the playoff match earlier in the day. Paulus Shipanga netted a brace, while Rudolph Bester and Robison Iyambo each added a goal to seal the victory for the Namibian legends.
Adding a unique twist to the final, Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko joined the action on the pitch. The 55-year-old head of state thrilled the crowd by scoring three goals from the penalty spot, highlighting his love for football and bringing a light-hearted element to the competition.
In the semi-finals, South Africa edged past Zimbabwe, while Botswana narrowly defeated Namibia to book their spot in the final.
Once there, the South African side proved too strong for the hosts. Goals from Cyril Nzama, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and a brace from Katlego Mashego ensured a dominant performance and confirmed their regional supremacy.
President Boko, addressing the legends before the tournament, praised their contribution to the sport:
“You played at the highest levels, in the most competitive circumstances, and became legends — not just because you played, but because you played with excellence and respect.”
Namibian coach Bobby Samaria lauded his team’s performance and the overall event:
“It was a special experience for all involved. These kinds of tournaments not only honour the past but also remind us of football’s ability to bring people and nations together.”
The tournament served as both a celebration of football’s enduring legacy and a platform for regional unity through sport. Plans are already in motion to expand the tournament in the future.
The emphatic victory secured South Africa’s third consecutive title in the tournament, which featured former stars from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.
Namibia secured a well-deserved third place after overcoming Zimbabwe 4–2 in the playoff match earlier in the day. Paulus Shipanga netted a brace, while Rudolph Bester and Robison Iyambo each added a goal to seal the victory for the Namibian legends.
Adding a unique twist to the final, Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko joined the action on the pitch. The 55-year-old head of state thrilled the crowd by scoring three goals from the penalty spot, highlighting his love for football and bringing a light-hearted element to the competition.
In the semi-finals, South Africa edged past Zimbabwe, while Botswana narrowly defeated Namibia to book their spot in the final.
Once there, the South African side proved too strong for the hosts. Goals from Cyril Nzama, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and a brace from Katlego Mashego ensured a dominant performance and confirmed their regional supremacy.
President Boko, addressing the legends before the tournament, praised their contribution to the sport:
“You played at the highest levels, in the most competitive circumstances, and became legends — not just because you played, but because you played with excellence and respect.”
Namibian coach Bobby Samaria lauded his team’s performance and the overall event:
“It was a special experience for all involved. These kinds of tournaments not only honour the past but also remind us of football’s ability to bring people and nations together.”
The tournament served as both a celebration of football’s enduring legacy and a platform for regional unity through sport. Plans are already in motion to expand the tournament in the future.
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