adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
GIFFORD and Masotsha High Schools are through to the national Copa Coca-Cola finals after winning the play-offs in the city yesterday.
In the boys’ Under-16 section, Gifford edged Mpopoma High School 4-1 on penalties after the match ended in a stalemate in regulation time.
In the girls’ category three times provincial winners Masotsha qualified after beating Montrose 3-0 on penalty shootouts.
Mpopoma sailed through by thrashing Amhlophe High School boys 3-0 in the semi-finals while Gifford struggled against Mzilikazi High School to win 4-3 on penalties.
Mzilikazi’s Ronald Mpofu’s last minute goal cancelled a stunning Bantu Rovers youngster Bukhosi Sibanda’s 20m freekick.
In Matabeleland South, Gwanda High boys and Silonga Secondary girls are through to the national finals.
Defending champions Mzingwane were defeated by Gwanda High School 10-9 on penalties after the fulltime score was 0-0 with both teams proceeding to the finals in Mutare.
Mzingwane will however be represented in Mutare as defending champions.
Silonga School beat Nswazi girls 1-0 to represent the province in the national finals.
To reach the final Mzingwane High School drew 0-0 with Embakwe in the semi-finals before proceeding to the final after winning 5-4 on penalties.
Gwanda won 1-0 over Gohole of Matobo District.
Hwange High School boys in Matabeleland North beat Gloag High School to book a place in the finals.
At regulation time the teams were tied at 1-1.
Mosi Oa-Tunya girls will represent the province after beating Somvubu Secondary School 3-1 in the final.
In the Midlands, Matinunura beat Manunure 4-3 to reach the girls’ final. The other pairing featured Dombotombo who trounced Hama 3-1.
In the final Matinunura prevailed 3-1 over Dombotombo to book a ticket to Mutare.
In the boys’ final Zvishavane High School made it to Mutare after beating Manunure 1-0 in the final.
The tournament has been run since 1989 and Peter Ndlovu remains the biggest name to have played in the tournament.
Almost every Zimbabwean secondary school takes part in the event which starts with competition at district level with winners proceeding to the provincial finals and ultimately the national championships.
The finals in Mutare will be on 12 July.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo