adminMANICALAND representatives in the 26th edition of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys and U-17 girls’ soccer competitions gave an average display with both sides failing to go beyond the quarter-final stage of their respective competitions.
Mutare Boys’ High bowed out in the quarter-finals, while their female counterparts, Nyamauru of Dangamvura high-density suburb in Mutare, found the going tough in the group stages.
However, it was Chemhanza High School that successfully defended their U-16 Copa Coca-Cola trophy after beating Oriel Boys’ High 2-0 in the finals.
Chidyamakono of Masvingo won in the girls’ category.
However, Chemhanza High School inscribed their name on U-16 Copa Coca-Cola trophy for the first time after beating Howard High School 3-1 in the final at Sakubva Stadium last year.
It was a sentimental victory for the Mashonaland East-based school as it was also the first time that a school from the province had won the title in its 25-year history then.
This year, led by inspirational captain Tatenda Tumba, Chemhanza beat Mutare Boys’ High 1-0 in the quarter-finals to storm into the semi-finals.
They then beat Mzilikazi 1-0 to progress to the finals.
Chemhanza wrapped up the tournament after dispatching Harare-based Oriel, courtesy of a 26th-minute goal from Kelvin Dube and a second-half strike by Takudzwa Chipembere.
The Mashonaland East side had to thank their captain, Tumba, who provided assists for both goals.
Tumba was crowned the best player of the tournament.
Last year, he was part of the dream team that featured at the Copa Coca-Cola International Camp in South Africa and was voted the best player of the tournament and also won the top goal scorer award at the event.
Oriel progressed to the finals courtesy of a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over nine-man Mashonaland East’s Mukondwa.
Online Reporter