adminPeter Phiri Sports Correspondent
THE Copa Coca Cola – Crazy for Good Under-16 provincial soccer finals have been set for this Friday to avoid clashing with harmonised elections set for 31 July. Initially provincial finals were supposed to be held on 12 July with the winners proceeding to Mutare to decide Zimbabwe champions.
Competition will be in all the country’s 10 provinces on Friday.
Winners from each province will join the defending champions and the host school at the national finals to be played at Sakubva Stadium, Mutare from 12 to 13 July.
Mzingwane High School from Matabeleland South are the defending champions.
They won the trophy after defeating highly rated Pamushana High School of Masvingo 1-0 in Victoria Falls last year.
Vinona High School of Harare are the girls’ defending champions.
The silver jubilee tournament was launched at Mzingwane High School on 7 June with players from last year’s tournament eligible which leaves the Southern Region’s Mzingwane and Pamushana hot favourites to make it to Mutare.
Copa CocaCola aims to engage youths in active healthy living while supporting the development of grassroots talent.
Many talented players such as the legendary Peter Ndlovu, Mkhuphali Masuku, Knowledge Musona, Harrington Shereni, Alois Bunjira, Stewart Murisa, Honour Gombami, Owen Gombami, Noel Kaseke, Johannes Ngodzo and Joel Ngodzo played in the tournament.
The organisers of the tournament work with the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) to ensure credibility and Fair Play.
Gloag will be the venue of the Matabeleland North finals, Bulawayo schools will gather at Gifford High School and Mzingwane will be the hosts in Matabeleland South.
Online Reporter