adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FORMER Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys football champions Chemhanza are fancying their chances at this year’s edition following their exit in the semi-finals last year.
Chemhanza will be making their fourth appearance at the national finals slated for this weekend with Gwanda High and Colleen Bawn hosting the Under-16 boys and Girls Under-17 teams respectively.
All teams are expected to be in Gwanda today with the actual competition pencilled for tomorrow and Sunday. The finals are set for Pelandaba stadium.
Chemhanza won the title twice in 2013 and 2014 but could not repeat the same feat last year.
However, their coach, Never Mhandu, made their intentions clear yesterday as he said they are vying for the title.
“The boys have been working hard to convince the coaches that we are going to do well in Gwanda. We are looking forward to the games and the boys cannot wait to be in Gwanda.
“Last time we lost in the semis but this year we are targeting to win the trophy and claim our position on the top,” said Mhandu.
Mhandu, however, said they are aware of the challenge they are up against and will take one step at a time in their quest for success.
“We are going to treat each game seriously because we believe each team is strong, having qualified through the provincial finals. So each team is strong and deserves to be respected. But we are working hard and Chemhanza is a powerhouse.
“We are pushing forward, we are seasoned campaigners, so our experience will help us,” said Mhandu. The Mashonaland East school lost to the reigning champions Dewure from Masvingo in the last semi-finals on penalties.
While Chemhanza are gunning for the title, it will not be an easy task with defending champions Dewure also confident they will rise above the challenge.
Last year’s losing finalists Rujeko from Mashonaland Central will also be in Gwanda, hoping to surpass their previous performance.
Pamushana, who are also regarded as one of the strongest teams in the country, join Dewure in representing Masvingo Province.
Chidyamakono from Masvingo are the reigning champions for the girls and the province will be hoping for yet another dominant show from their schools.
With the tournament providing a platform for outstanding players to be selected into the Dream Team at the end of the competition to attend a regional camp, it will be hive of activity in Gwanda as the young players showcase their talent.
Recently two teenage footballers — Joe Moyo and Tafadzwa Dhliwayo — were in France for an international camp. They had the opportunity to watch one of the UEFA Euro 2016 quarter-final matches.
With the tournament availing such opportunities for the young players, they can only give their best to be among the outstanding players.
A number of recognised footballers in the country such as Ariel Sibanda, Knowledge Musona and Ovidy Karuru passed through this competition which has been running for 28 years.
The tournament has also over the years attracted interest from a number of Premier Soccer League coaches who would be scouting for talent. With the Premiership programme on a mid-season break, a good number of top-flight coaches are set to descend on Gwanda.
Online Reporter