adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
DEFENDING champions for the Copa Coca-Cola boys’ Under-16 Dewure High are taking a cautious approach ahead of the national finals in Gwanda this weekend.
The boys and girls soccer tournament finals are set to run for three days from tomorrow to Sunday.
Gwanda High will host the boys while the girls’ teams will converge at Colleen Bawn.
Dewure, from Masvingo province were crowned champions last year when they beat Rujeko from Mashonaland Central in the finals held in Bulawayo.
Dewure coach, Paul Mahutu said they have stepped up their preparations ahead of the national event.
“We are at an advanced stage in terms of our preparations concerning Copa Coca-Cola. I think we are ready for the final.
“We have some players who were in the team last year and are still eligible to play.
“Probably this is their last year to be included in the team. We have about five players, I am talking of players that were active in the team.
“I think somehow it’s an advantage to us because I would say they now have the experience. I think that will work in our favour. And I would say if God wishes the Cup will come back to Gutu,” said Mahutu.
Mahutu said they are not reading much into the past and would play their normal game.
“I think being the defending champions, pressure would actually be felt. But we will take things as usual and from that I think the boys can absorb the pressure. We have to put the pride from last year aside and concentrate on this competition,” said Mahutu.
Dewure will be joined by Pamushana in representing Masvingo.
The girls’ reigning champions Chidyamakono, who are also from Masvingo, will battle it out to defend their title for the fifth consecutive year.
They will be joined by Rufaro, who are the provincial finalists.
The winners for the boys will get $6 500 and the girls will get $3 000.
Online Reporter