TellZim News editor Passmore Kuzipa (centre) receives a certificate of appreciation from Coca-Cola Senior Brand Manager Vee Chibanda for constistently covering COPA Coca-Cola events over the past 8 years. Looking on is Coca-cola Northen Region Manager Rold Baloyi.
…Masvingo in group of death
Sports Reporter
MARONDERA – The biggest sponsored sports tournament for schools, COPA Coca-Cola last Tuesday celebrated its 30th anniversary with the launch of this year’s edition at Rusununguko High, the U15 Boys national defending champions.
The draw was also conducted at the launch, with Masvingo province finding itself in ‘group of death’ where it will battle it out with the defending champions and the Mash West winners in Group D.
Coca-Cola Senior Brand Manager, Vee Chibanda said this year’s edition of the tournament will be bigger and better.
“This year’s tournament is bigger and better. The participants and eventual winners should be inspired to do well,” said Chibanda.
“We continue to be proud sponsors of this initiative which is an important, long term investment in our youth. The NASH-organised soccer tournament has made a mark on the lives of thousands of secondary school pupils, their families and communities throughout Zimbabwe over the years. It shows the lasting power of football and it reminds us of how far we have come. Indeed a very successful road with so much to be proud of,” she added.
NASH president Johnson Madhuku hailed Coca-Cola for their unwavering support over the past 30 years.
“This sponsorship has been made even more beautiful, special and all encampasing by the inclusion of the girls’ soccer eight years ago thereby breaking the barriers of gender segregation and marginalization in NASH football.
“It’s now 30 years of special relationship of continuous sponsorship and investment in the development of football in the country,” said Madhuku.
Rusununguko will face Masvingo and Mash West winners in Group D. In other groups, the hosts Mandava High will battle it out with Harare and Manicaland representatives in Group A, while Group B will see Midlands winners clash with Bulawayo and Matebeleland North.
In Group C, Mash East, Mash Central and Mat South will fight for honours, with the best two proceeding to quarter finals.
In the girls’ category, national defending champions Chidyamakono hope to defend the title for the sixth time. The Chivi-based side will face Mash Central and Mash West representatives in Group C, while hosts Zvishavane High entertain Manicaland and Mat South in Group A.
Midlands winners await Mash East and Mat North in Group B; Masvingo winners will face Harare and Bulawayo in Group C.
The finals will be held on July 12 – 14 in Zvishavane.sport
