adminschools from rural areas will also take part.
“We have more than 150 schools coming on board this year and the competition is going to be one of its kind as we have surprise package of events outside rugby to expect.
“Some people say Cottco is mostly for A schools, I beg to differ since there is room for everyone.
“In fact the idea is to give opportunity to schools that have rugby as extra-curriculum to fully participate, groom and search for young talent at the same time,” said Garikai.
Cottco is a one week event that will see different schools from outside Harare coming together with some coming from as far as Masvingo, Gweru, Plumtree and Bulawayo converging for the colourful schoolboy rugby
fiesta.
Some of the schools that are set to take part are Kyle College, Victoria High, Midlands Christian College, Prince Edward, St Georges College, Peter House Boys, Conway, Falcon, Churchill Boys, Eaglesvale, Gateway, Lomagundi, St Ignatius, Tynwald, Ellis Robins, Kambuzuma, Plumtree, Girls High, Harare High and Mazoe among others.
Some of the players who benefited from the event are Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Claude Bare, Farai Jiji who managed to get a place in the national team side level following their remarkable performance during the Cottco tournament.
The festival draws huge crowds every year, it is likely to be the same this year as it has established itself as a major schools rugby event in the region.
However, the long-standing rivalry between powerhouses Churchill, Prince Edward, St John’s College and St Georges’ is set to be reignited at this year’s event.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter