2018 Copa Coca Cola euphoria grips Zim

The launch of the 2018 edition of Copa Coca- Cola under 15 boys and girls tournament  on May 15 at Rusununguko Secondary School in Goromonzi and     coincides  with its 30 year anniversary,  bringing joy to many as it is the most awarding  schools soccer tournaments so far.

The tournament which starts from the districts ,provincial and then the national final has produced soccer stars with the likes of Peter Ndlovu, the late Benjamin Nkonjera, Kennedy Nagoli and Harlington Shereni who are  yester year players to mention but a few . Youngsters who are making great and had been in this tournament are Khama Billiat   plying in foreign league , Tatenda Tumba and Tatenda Munditi playing for Ngezi Platinum.

Marlborough High School  coach Gilbert Phiri in Harare agreed on the sentiments that it is a  prestigious tournament in the schools soccer calendar. Gilbert Zulu has been at the helms of coaching Marlborough High School since 2014.

“Last year we were beaten by the hosts  Vainona in the provincial final after we had edged Oriel 1-0 in the semi final.”, he revealed. He emulated Copa Coca Cola fro being organized than other soccer tournament in schools. “They cater for teams that who would have qualified in the national finals with soccer kits and has got the biggest prize”, he said.

“Normally the whole tournament is sponsored to the tune of $5 000 prize money.It has also individual prizes like the goalkeeper of the tournament and player of the tournament”, he added.

A  team of 18 players is selected from each school that would have reached the final to go and play outside Zimbabwe.

Gilbert Zulu also said the competition is of much pride because of the Dream Team of boys and girls to play against other countries. “We are preparing  extensively  as it is the biggest tournament in our calender”, he told Sport Way.

He urged coaches to stop age cheating as it was a cancer killing development of young players. “In terms of soccer and talent identification,, people should learn to use correct ages. The tournament is not about winning but developing young players  to be like Peter Ndlovu, Kennedy Nagoli and the late Benjamin Nkonjera in the making”, he advised those who cheat at the tournament to desist fro such act.

This year’s edition will have the cut of age at 1 January 2004.