The Sunday Mail
DEFENDING champions Chemhanza will clash with dark horses Oriel Boys in the Under-16 Copa Coca-Cola final at Gwanzura today.
In the girls category, reigning champions Chidyamakono have a chance to stamp their authority for the second consecutive year when they square off with St Francis of Assisi.
Oriel Boys defied the odds storming into the finals courtesy of a 4-3 penalty victory over Mukondwa while Chemhanza dismissed Mzilikazi 1-0 in the other semi-final.
Chemhanza, who were in a bullish mood in the build-up to the 26th edition of the boys tournament, appear to be the slight favourites in today’s final.
In Tatenda Tumba, who took part in last year’s event, the Mashonaland East representatives have a player who can propel them to the title for the second year running.
Tumba was part of the dream team that featured at the Copa Coca-Cola International Camp in South Africa last year and was voted the best player of the tournament on top of walking away with top goal scorer award.
The striker scored six goals as Zimbabwe powered their way to the trophy. This year’s tournament is being graced by former Warriors coach Norman Mapeza, Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza, Footballers Union of Zimbabwe president Desmond Maringwa and Tonderai Ndiraya, among several other prominent football personalities.
The organisers have maintained last year’s prizes, with the winners for the boys tourney getting US$6 500 and a trophy with the girls pocketing US$3 000 and a trophy as well.
There will also be prizes for outstanding individuals. Dream Teams, who will take part in regional tournaments, will also be selected.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has pledged to continue bankrolling the schools’ football event, which has produced such football stars as Mapeza, Warriors legend Peter Ndlovu, Ashley Rambanapasi, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and Walter Musona, among others.
