THE 27th edition of the Copa Coca-Cola football tournament spotlighting some of the brightest upcoming youth talent was launched at Chidyamakono High School in Chivi, Masvingo, yesterday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA IN MASVINGO
Coca-Cola took a step further this year, putting emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle in teenagers in over 60 countries in the world as well as values of friendships, fair play, integrity, team spirit and respect.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials including Youth and Indigenisation deputy minister Mathias Tongofa, who is also a Member of Parliament for the area.
Chief Chidyamakono also graced the occasion and so did officials from the provincial and educational offices in Masvingo.
More importantly, the colourful event was attended by some of the finest products of the Copa-Coca-Cola tournament — FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza, FC Platinum and young Warriors forward Walter Musona, former Masvingo United and 1995 winner of the tournament Lloyd Hlahla who went on to play for AmaZulu, Masvingo and Dynamos.
Also present was former Warriors left-back Harlington Shereni, a two-time winner of the tournament, Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza, Mighty Warriors skipper Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi and Tsholotsho assistant coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda.
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Each of these stars embodies and represents the dynamic and unique roles that make up a successful team.
Shereni, a former Hippo Valley student who went on to play his club football in France, thanked Copa Coca-Cola for giving him the opportunity to play at a higher level.
“I want to thank the sponsors, Coca-Cola, for giving me the platform which led me to go all the way to France. I grew up in Chiredzi and hope every year this tournament will produce stars that will play in the national team,” Shereni said.
Masvingo provincial education director Zedias Chitiga spoke strongly against age cheating.
“We don’t want corruption in this tournament. I appeal to all headmasters and teachers that age cheating in this tournament will not be tolerated and anyone caught will be dealt with,” Chitiga said.
“Corruption does not help us develop as a country. Look at what is happening at Fifa. We hear allegations of corruption and money laundering by the Fifa leadership.”
The launch of the tournament coincided with the zonal competitions to be followed by provincial competitions.
The finals will be held in Bulawayo from July 17 to 19.
Chemhanza High from Mashonaland East are the defending champions in the boy’s category, while Chidyamakono are the defending champions in the girls category.
The draw for the tournament was then conducted after the launch.
Full Draw
Boys:
Group A: A1 Mash East, A2 Bulawayo, A3 Manicaland Group B: B1 Harare, B2Chemhanza, B3 Mash West, Group C: C1 Masvingo, C2 Midlands, C3 Gifford Group D: D1 Mat North, D2 Mat South D3 Mash East
Girls:
Group A; A1 Mash East, A2 Mat South, A3 Chidyamakono, Group B: B1 Mash East, B2 Masvingo, B3 Harare, Group C: C1Midlands, C2 Montrose, C 3 Mat North Group D: D1 Mash Central, D 2 Bulawayo, D3 Manicaland
