By: Hee-Dee Walenga
The 2026 edition of the FNB Classic Clashes was officially launched Wednesday afternoon at Windhoek High School, with a curtain raiser basketball match between the girls’ teams of Windhoek High School and Windhoek International School.
The competition, now in its 19th year, has become a staple on the Namibian school sports calendar. It gives high school students the opportunity to display their talents in basketball, netball, rugby, and football.
Speaking to The Villager, St. George’s football coach, Jandja Maharero, highlighted the significance of the tournament.
“This competition is big for youth football. It brings out a big crowd. A lot of kids look up to this event,” Maharero stated.
Maharero is an alumnus of St. George’s and a product of the Classic Clashes himself. “It was a big thing for me because I was able to play in front of my whole school. It was a good feeling to represent the school at one of the biggest levels of school football,” the coach added.
Head of Investments at FNB Namibia, Ziggy Munyo, noted the importance of the competition to the bank. “The competition is always an exciting time for FNB Namibia. It is something we mark in our calendar every year,” Munyo stated.
He explained that the Classic Clashes come with a special spirit. “The energy, passion, and excitement that we witness from the youth year after year is infectious. We are proud to continue supporting it,” he added.
He also reaffirmed FNB Namibia’s commitment to the youth of Namibia. “We believe in the power of the potential of the youth. The youth require support to succeed. Sports gives young people a sense of belonging and purpose,” he concluded.
The N$1.6 million sponsorship will go towards assisting the schools with the logistics required to put on the matches across the various sports codes.
