Former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu was impressed with the level of competition displayed at the Copa Coca-Cola schools cup competition that featured 24 schools at the weekend in Victoria Falls.
Ndlovu, Under-23 Warriors coach, attended the prestigious competition alongside his brother Adam, Moses Chunga, former Highlanders coach Mkhuphali Masuku, Hwange technical manager Tennant Chilumba and head coach Nation Dube.
Matabeleland South representatives Mzingwane High School beat Masvingo’s Pamushana 1-0 in the final while Vainona edged Chidyamakono from Masvingo 2-0 to clinch the coveted title in the girls’ section.
Ndlovu was happy with how the tournament progressed.
“The level of play in the competition is improving. Coca-Cola are doing a good job by sponsoring the competition because it is the foundation of our football. The players have to continue playing even after the tournament,” he said.
Ndlovu heaped praise on Pamushana’s Gerald Ziki, who was named Player of the Tournament as well as Mzingwane goalkeeper Paul Makotore, who won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade.
“The Player of the Tournament has qualities of a good player. He covered his backline well and in attack. His positional sense and timing was excellent. The Mzingwane goalkeeper was also good and given time, he will be the player of the future,” said Ndlovu.
Ziki received a Manchester City tracksuit while Top Goalscorer Gaylord Tarisai from Pamushana, who scored four goals, also received an original Manchester City jersey from former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari, who could not attend the competition due to business commitments.
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Adam said: “Coca-Cola is doing a very good job by sponsoring the tournament. We saw a lot of talent and potential here.
“However, there is need for the Premier Soccer League coaches to assist schoolchildren in football. If Coca-Cola make a plan and arrange that coaches go to schools and share their knowledge because some of the techniques are missing, that would help,” he said.
Teams Goalkeepers: Paul Makotore (Mzingwane), Munashe Ndlovu (Mosi-Oa-Tunya) Defenders: Gerald Ziki (Pamushana), Shelton Mukete (Pamushana), Nqobile Moyo (Mzingwane), Mkhokheli Nhliziyo (Mzingwane), Tapiwa Tshuma (Hwange), Brian Chemuvu (Rimuka), Albert Magumise (Manunure) Midfielders: Bukhosi Ncube (Mosi-Oa-Tunya), Nyasha Chikazenga (Pamushana), Eric Gote (Centenary), Emmanuel Mukeni (Marange), Innocent Chifamba (Mzingwane), Glynns Tandi (Mzingwane), Shawn Pumulo (Hwange)
Strikers: Ishmael Ben Mushaka (Mosi-Oa-Tunya), Gaylord Tarisai (Pamushana), Taboka Ncube (Mzingwane), Liberty Chihobore (Rimuka)
Girls Goalkeepers: Bridgette Shamu (Glen View), Pennetritious Ncube (Mosi-Oa-Tunya), Chipo Chikoora (Matinunura) Defenders: Nomthandazo Ncube (Mosi-Oa-Tunya), Prudence Zurumba (Chidyamakono), Gladys Sango (Mutondwe), Rutendo Magora (Glen View), Mercy Marova (Vainona), Grace Ndlovu (Selonga) Midfielders: Bekithemba Mlalazi (Somvubu), Daisy Masukuta (Vainona), Fungai Bvekwa (Vainona), Ethel Chingerere (Matinunura), Clarice Dhimuri (Chidyamakono), Tryphine Muzemba (Chidyamakono), Greater Bande (Vainona) Strikers: Mitchelle Bambi (Glen View), Ayanda Hlabangana (Mosi-Oa-Tunya), Faith Mangove (Chidyamakono), Monalisa Mxoli (Selonga)
