All is now set for the 2012 edition of the Copa Coca-Cola boys and girls’ football finals starting in the resort town of Victoria Falls tomorrow.
Teams arrive today for the two-day event which ends on Sunday.
Coca-Cola senior franchise brand manager Mona Karingi yesterday told NewsDay Sport they were ready for the event that will see 24 schools from around the country battle for honours.
“We are ready to hold the finals of the Copa Coca-Cola competition. The reason why we sponsor the tournament is because we want to give an opportunity to the youngsters to play football. There is a lot of talent in the youth. We believe in them and we want to be able to expose that talent,” she said.
“We will also be taking the Zimbabwe Select side for a camp in South Africa. We are sending boys only because we have been involved with boys’ football for 24 years now.”
“The girls’ competition was introduced last year and we are still developing it.”
Manunure from Midlands are the defending champions in the boys’ section, while Vainona from Harare emerged winners of the inaugural girls’ competition last year.
Participating teams will walk away with $1 200 in the boys’ section and the girls’ $1 000. There will also be individual player awards; best goalkeeper, player of the tournament, best midfielder, top goalscorer and the best defender will receive $100 each in both categories.
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Judges for individual prizes: Reigning coach of the year Hwange boss Tennant Chilumba, Dynamos legend Moses Chunga, Zimbabwe and Highlanders legend Peter Ndlovu, former Highlanders coach Mkhuphali Masuku and Mighty Warriors star goalkeeper Onai Chingawo.
In addition, former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari has provided a tracksuit for the best player and boots for the golden boot winner.
Prizes Boys: Winners $6 500 Runners-up $5 500, Third-placed $3 500 Fourth $2 500 Most disciplined team: $1 500 Girls: Winners $3 000 Runners $2 500 Third place: $2 500 Fourth: $1 500 Most disciplined team: $700 Best coach: $200
