Copa Coca-Cola: What they said

. Fungai Muderere
THE 2016 edition of the prestigious Copa Coca-Cola schools national tournament has come and gone after being successfully hosted at Matabeleland Southaï¿½ï¿½s provincial capital Gwanda.

Rujeko from Mashonaland Central claimed the title for the first time in the boys section while Chidyamakono from Masvingo were crowned girlsaï¿½ï¿½ champions for the fourth consecutive year at Phelandaba Stadium.

For Rujeko, it was sweet victory as they picked up from last yearaï¿½ï¿½s disappointment of losing the final to Dewure on penalties at Barbourfields Stadium.

Last Sunday, they beat Chinhoyi High 4-1 on penalties last Sunday after the match had ended in a goalless draw in regulation time.

Rujeko coach, Hardware Chatora was a proud man after winning the title they had missed last year. They got it right this time, dismissing Chemhanza 1-0 in the semi-finals to book a date with Chinhoyi High.

aï¿½?It was a tight contest. Although we were a bit lacking in the first half we managed to improve the second half. Since last year we worked on complacency because last year it appeared we relaxed when we were leading 3-1 on penalties.
aï¿½?We were really confident going for the penalties because we had thorough practice. We are feeling very proud. It was a very tough competition because our group was a group (Group C) of Death with Pamushana and Guinea Fowl but we managed to top that group. And I believe that was our initial strength,aï¿½? said Chatora.

In the girls category, Bulawayoaï¿½ï¿½s Magwegwe High School were edged one nil by Chidyamakono.

Magwegwe coach, Martin Makechemu said they did their best but lady luck was not on their side.

aï¿½?I think we tried our best but it was not our day. Itaï¿½ï¿½s part of football, we matched them everywhere but luck was not on our side,aï¿½? said Makechemu.

The winners in the boys section walked away with US$5 400 while the girls got US$3 200.

In her speech Coca-Cola market activations manager, Vee Chibanda said: aï¿½?As teens began to arrive on site, some travelling more than 10 hours to get to Gwanda, we could see that the teens truly would give anything to football.

Sleep-deprived and travel-weary , they received their Copa Coca-Cola Camp kits with huge grins and immediately made their way to the football pitches to begin playing with whoever was ready and available.aï¿½?

She also noted that the participants needed no encouragement.

aï¿½?The participants sought each other out, began introducing themselves however, they could aï¿½ï¿½ and when language was a barrier, they simply communicated one way or the other. To see the unity, loyalty and dedication had for their game, was to see Copa Coca-Colaaï¿½ï¿½s vision manifested in a most beautiful way. Cultural and economic barriers were broken both on and off the pitch,aï¿½? added Chibanda.

Delta Beverages national sales executive manager Tichaona Chipangura said the event played a significant role in their extra extracurricular activities.

aï¿½?We were in Gwanda to remind each other of the noble task at hand. The task of making sure that we focus our efforts on the heroes and heroines, the boys and girls that made and continue to make Copa Coca-Cola great,aï¿½? he said.

The annual tournament was graced by former Highlanders players Noel Kaseke, Mkhuphali Masuku and Jerry Sibanda. Also present was former Mighty Warriors captain Nomsa aï¿½?Boysaï¿½? Moyo and Bulawayo City head coach Philani aï¿½?Beefyaï¿½? Ncube.

aï¿½?The tournament was played in true football spirit. There were a number of good players. I think they will go on to do well for PSL clubs and for national teams,aï¿½? said Masuku who hails from Gwanda.