adminin boys Under-16 and 17-and-Under girls contests.
Each category is made up of 12 schools divided into four pools of three teams.
Sakubva 1 High, who are the hosts, will field a team in each category and they will be joined by Gaza in the boys’ section and Rukweza in the girls’ category.
Manzonza said they were ready to host the tournament and were expecting to win both titles.
“It’s a grand occasion for us. We have agreed as a province that we want to snatch the two trophies.
“We should keep the title in Manicaland and I am upbeat about that. We have Gaza in the boys section and they have the ability and Sakubva 1 High as well.
“There is Rukweza for the girls and the standard they displayed at the provincial finals was good. They sailed through to the finals without losing a match.
“From what I saw I think we should retain one of the trophies and as a family we are committed to see that happening.
“At the moment we are 95 percent ready in terms of venues and playing fields. All have been identified and we are just waiting to receive teams that are coming. Matabeleland North and Bulawayo are coming on Thursday,” said Manzonza.
However, the hosts are likely to face tough opposition from teams from other provinces such as Churchill.
Churchill have won the tournament four times before in 1992, 1994, 2000 and in 2008 and they are hoping to bring back their glory days by winning this year’s edition.
Their team coach, former Dynamos striker Gift Zvavanhu, believes his charges are ready to go.
“All boys have been in camp since last week and we are looking at a positive result in Mutare.
“I think the boys have learned their mistakes from the previous tournaments, last year we missed by a whisker when we lost in the provincial finals.
“Our team is made up of players that went for the VW tournament two years back, so they have been to bigger tournaments than this.
“We are also working on the mental side of the game, so that they do not become over-confident and our teacher in charge is working on that. My assistant coach, Joel Lupahla, has also been doing a great job for the school,” said Zvavanhu.
Zvavanhu said morale was high in camp and they were happy with the way their preparations have gone.
“The boys are happy and I want to thank our headmaster, Mr (Patson) Mugwanda for getting the boys into camp and channeling resources towards the preparations.
“We want to take the boys to Vumba Mountains before the finals to motivate them. We will be leaving on Thursday,” said Zvavanhu.
All participating teams are expected to be in Mutare by Friday afternoon for vetting.
Boys
Pool A: Mzingwane, Ngezi Barracks, Zvishavane.
Pool B: Gaza, Hwange, Gifford.
Pool C: Sakubva, Mwenezi, Chemhanza.
Pool D: Gwanda, Howard, Churchill.
Girls
Pool A: Vainona, Mosi-a-Tunya, Silonga.
Pool B: Sakubva, Matinunura, Rutanhira.
Pool C: Mbare High, Sodbury, Masocha.
Pool D: Rukweza, St Francis, Chidyamakono.
Online Reporter