42 schools to participate in FNB Classic Clashes

JUSTISIA SHIPENA
The 11th edition of the FNB Classic Clashes, which will be launched this week, will see the first game being played on 18 May - a rugby match between Windhoek Technical High School (HTS) and Grootfontein in Windhoek.

Gordon Pokolo, sponsorship manager at FirstRand Namibia Limited, said this momentous sporting event has grown in stature over the years, with more spectators attending and more interest from new participants.

“The schools have also made the FNB Classic Clashes a highlight on their winter calendar and it forms part of the centenary celebrations at Windhoek High School (WHS) and St George’s,” Pokolo said.

Pokolo added the idea of the clashes is to give schools countrywide an opportunity to be part of this exciting spectacle, without taking away the element of traditional rivalry and bragging rights. “To date, more than 50 schools countrywide have been part of the clashes within the three sports codes - soccer, rugby and netball. Some of the schools who have been part of the clashes since the beginning include Dr Lemmer, M&K Gertze, Nahale Secondary, Ongha Secondary, WHS, Elnatan, Gobabis Gymnasium and Winnie du Plessis.

“Thirty-seven out of the 42 schools that played in the first clashes are still part of the clashes today, albeit with new opponents in some cases. We have also achieved a regional reach in terms of participation and today you can witness a Classic Clash in nine of the 14 regions across the country.”

For the upcoming season, FNB wishes that all the clashes will be played in a good spirit and with sportsmanship.

“There have been calls to revive school sports in Namibia and this is FNB Namibia’s contribution towards school sports. The FNB Classic Clashes, through the keen support of the ministry of sport, has grown into one of the most sought-after school sporting activities in Namibia. We wish the 42 schools playing this year all the best. May you have fun, be a sport on the field, and mostly, enjoy every minute,” Pokolo added.