adminstarting this morning.
National Association of School Heads (Manicaland) head in charge of soccer, Ananias Manzonza, said everything was set.
“We are happy that the host schools, Sakubva High One and St Dominics, have done all the preparatory work and as a province we are now ready to host the tournament,” he said.
“We may want to take this opportunity to urge all soccer enthusiasts in Mutare and Manicaland at large to throng the different venues and render support to the provincial representatives.”
Chipinge’s Gaza High are confident they will go all the way and upset the bookmakers’ favourites by clinching the 2013 Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 boys soccer title.
Gaza and Rukweza of Makoni district are this year’s Manicaland representatives in the prestigious Copa Coca Cola Under-16 boys and Under-17 girls soccer competition, respectively.
The two earned the right to represent the province after a sterling show during the provincial finals at Mutambara Mission in Chimanimani recently.
Together with hosts Sakubva High 1, Gaza are now expected to battle for the trophy to remain in Manicaland flag.
Gaza coach, Edmore Mtetwa, said they were looking forward to the national competition with the aim of winning the tournament for Manicaland.
He praised his players for a gallant show while playing away from home.
“I am really happy with the way my players have performed,” said Mtetwa.
“We are all aware that young players take time to settle and play their usual game but I am happy that my players settled early.
“We are now looking ahead to the national finals and I hope we will be able to compete all the way to the final match.
“In fact, we want nothing less than the title itself. We believe Mutare is as good as home and we will be in a good position to give it our best shot.”
Gaza booked a berth in the final match at provincial level after they dismissed highly-rated St Mathias Tsonzo in the semi-finals while Emmanuel found itself in the final after outplaying Mutare Boys High in the other semi final.
Gaza won 4-2 on penalties after the two teams remained deadlocked 0-0 in regulation time.
Online Reporter