A mouth-watering start to the annual FNB Classic Clashes is anticipated at Keetmanshoop this weekend when the town’s arch-rivals open the series.
In a crunch football match tomorrow, JA Nel take on Suiderlig inside the J Stephanus Stadium, while an equally epic rugby encounter is expected between Keetmanshoop Secondary School and PK de Villiers at the Keetmanshoop Rugby Stadium on Saturday.
A total of 800 pupils will participate in this year’s edition of the FNB Classic Clashes, with the grand finale pencilled for Okatana Secondary School at Okatana in the Oshana region on 30 September.
Speaking at the official launch yesterday, FNB Namibia retail executive Nangula Kauluma said they were immensely proud of how the competition has grown to become one of the sought-after sporting events around the country.
The towns of Opuwo and Rundu are the latest additions, extending the clashes footprint from nine to 11 regions.
Furthermore, two clashes for women’s football have been added to the roster, which traditionally features football and rugby for boys and a netball section for girls.
“FNB Namibia is honoured and proud to be able to make a meaningful contribution towards school sport and it is what inspires us to play a role in setting the foundation for healthy development and life-long learning,” said Kauluma.
Sport, youth and national service minister Agnes Tjongarero described the competition as an important unifier.
“Sports continues to be a discipline that brings nations together, irrespective of background. And in my view, any project that unifies our nation is a winning project that will always receive the support and attention of my ministry,” Tjongarero said.
“We know the profound benefits of sport and I can assure you that the government sincerely appreciates what our private sector companies are doing for sport, as well as for the youth,” she said.
This year’s theme: ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ highlights how the popular Classic Clashes started with just seven participating teams and flourished to include 44 teams across 12 regions.
“It is, however, my continued wish to see more schools participating each year, and I am excited for the day when all the 14 political regions of our country will be represented,” Tjongarero said.
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