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Defending champions Hermann Gmeiner were drawn in Group A together with Harare representative Mufakose 1 High and Hwange Secondary School.
Hosts Montrose Girls High, Ngomeni Secondary and Selonga Secondary, make up Group B.
Group C is made up of Mashonaland Central representative Chidembo, Inkomo Secondary and Rufaro Secondary with another Bulawayo representative Sikhulile, Rukweza and Rutanhira from Mashonaland East comprising Group D.
Hosts school Sikhulile, under the guidance of Shadreck Mlauzi, are eager to put behind the disappointment of last year’ tournament in Harare when they bowed out in the semi-finals.
Mlauzi was in bullish mood yesterday when contacted for comment from his base in Bulawayo about his team’ chances of lifting the trophy as they will be banking on home advantage.
“Our preparations have sailed according to schedule and despite being a new team from the one that played last year at Mabelreign Girls High, I have self belief in the players.
“There are four surviving members from last year’ squad that are available for selection this year.
“They include strikers Priviledge Mupeti and Tendai Sandire, right back Fera Kutsanzira and Petronella Ndlovu,” Mlauzi said.
Although Mlauzi said teamwork would be their main weapon as they seek to power their way to glory, he feels captain Nomakosi Mpofu, who plays for Inline Academy, goalkeeper Sukohlule Ndlovu of Maton Queens and Nomazulu Sibanda of North Rovers, would be the key players.
Mlauzi said he identified the majority of his players during a tournament held in Bulawayo in early January.
“Although any coach at any tournament would want to lay his hands on the trophy, at Sikhulile we act as a feeder to Inline Academy and winning Copa Coca-Cola would be the icing on the cake,” said Mlauzi.
Mlauzi welcomed Coca-Cola’s introduction of monetary rewards this year, saying this would add an edge to the competition.
Online Reporter