adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
WHILE for some it will remain a dream to attend competitions such as the UEFA Euro championships, young footballers Tafadzwa Dhliwayo and Joe Moyo will watch one of the quarter-final matches during the Copa Coca-Cola international football camp in Paris, France, from June 29 to July 4. Dhliwayo, an attacking midfielder from Gifford High School in Bulawayo and striker Moyo from Guinea Fowl, were part of the Zimbabwean team that went for the Copa Coca-Cola regional training camp in Pretoria, South Africa last September.
They will be heading for France on Monday for the five-day international camp in Paris with several activities including some training sessions with coaches from Paris Saint-Germany Academy lined up.
And they will also attend one of the quarterfinals match for the UEFA Euro 2016.
Coca-Cola market activations manager, Vee Chibanda, who will be accompanying the two players said besides going through some football drills, the camp is a platform to promote friendships.
“Generally these camps are there to promote new friendships. It’s a celebration of Copa which has been there for 28 years. It’s a celebration because we are having kids from all over the world and they will be in one place.
“This year they will be trained by coaches from Paris Saint-Germany Academy. Xavi will be coming in to take them through the road he has followed, why he believes it’s important for them to learn and concentrate on soccer.
“It’s not only about learning about soccer but life skills also. It helps the kids to grow,” said Chibanda.
Last year Zimbabwe had Devine Khumalo of Mzilikazi High School and Leroy Willie from Oriel Boys High taking part in a camp held in Germany.
The Copa Coca-Cola boys and girls tournament has proved to be an integral part for junior football development in the country with several national team players including former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu having passed through this competition.
This year’s edition has already begun with the schools now preparing for the provincial finals set for July 7 and 8 in the country’s provinces.
The winners from the provincials will join Dewure and Chidyamakono, who are the boys and girls defending champions respectively at the national finals set to run from July 22 to 24 in Gwanda.
Colleen Bawn and Gwanda High are the hosting schools and they automatically qualify for the national championships.
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