adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
YOUNG footballers had the opportunity to showcase their talent again this year in the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys and Under-17 girls tournament and 40 players were selected into the boys and girls Dream Teams.
The competition saw 24 boys and girls schools battling it out in Bulawayo and the finals were at Barbourfileds.
Dewure won the boys title while Chidyamakono emerged as the girls champions.
This is the second time for Dewure to claim the title.
They first won the tournament in 2010. Chidyamakono became champions for the third consecutive year in the girls section.
The boys’ Dream Team will go for an international camp in South Africa in September where they are expected to defend the title they won in 2013.
The girls are expected to compete in the Cossasa Games in Bulawayo next month.
The Copa Coca-Cola tournament run in partnership with Nash and has grown to become Zimbabwe’s prime secondary schools football competition for the Under-16 boys and the Under-17 girls.
This year’s event was graced by a number of former national players, including Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda, who emphasised on the need to come up with proper systems and structures. “There is future for Zimbabwe in these youngsters, that is if they are of the right age. We have got a lot of talent and it needs to be nurtured,” said Sibanda.
“From the tournament I think they need to be groomed in academies or something so that it doesn’t stop here because for a football player to succeed you don’t just play one tournament and take a break.
Dream Team
Ishmael Nyanhi (Rujeko), Rodwell Manhungo (Prince Edward), Mclean Chidabvu (Rujeko), Mongamezi Tshuma (Mpopoma), Ashley Musaikwa (Rujeko), Hagiazo Magaya (Prince Edward), Douglas Mapfumo (Chemhanza), Takudzwa Masiya (Nemakonde), Hazard Dube (Chemhanza), Joe Moyo (Guinea Fowl), Prince Milanzi (Dewure), Tafadzwa Dhliwayo (Gifford), Foster Munganasa (Dewure), Patson Phiri (How Mine), Evans Damba (How Mine), Shepherd Mapigo (Bernard Mizeki), Xesha Ndlovu (Tsholotsho), Jinnjihad Murevanomwe Chemhanze), Ronald Wadula (Rujeko), Cardwell Chifamba (Dewure).
Girls Dream Team
Sophia Mlambo, Sarah Nyambanga, Esitery Shaya, Gracious Tichangeva (all Chidyamakono), Praise Zhou (Masase), Nyarai Marova (Masase), Nomvula Ndlovu (Montrose), Linnet Nkomo (Dinyane), Sethule Moyo (Magwegwe), Maud Mafuruse (Nyamauru),), Miranda Chimbanda (Sodbury), Evermore Muthanda, Tendai Banda, Doreen Nyamayaro, Nyasha Mwamwadi (all Seke 1), Fiona Kapera (St Francis), Purity Mugayi (Nyamauru), Tendai Chirumuta (Sodbury), Precious Mudyiwa (St Francis).
Online Reporter