The ManicaPost
Sports Reporter
CHIPINGE’S Gaza High school will be out to defend their title when the 26th edition of the Copa Coca Cola 16 and under provincial finals get underway in Mutare on Friday (today).
Sakubva High One will host the provincial finals for boys while Elis Gladhill will play host to the girls’ 17 and under provincial finals. Gaza were crowned provincial champions last year and went on to represent the province in the national finals that were played here in Mutare.
They bowed out of the tournament in the quarter finals.
Gaza High assistant coach Charles Kaguramamba said his team has fully prepared for the provincial finals and would want to progress once again to the national finals.
This year’s national finals will be played in Harare.
“We have done our preparations and we have a team that is capable of competing well. In fact, we really want to defend our provincial title and go ahead to represent the province in the national finals,” said Kaguramamba.
National Association for Secondary Heads (NASH) head in charge of soccer in Manicaland Joseph Machuwaire confirmed that all is set for the provincial finals.
“All is set for the provincial finals and we are going to undertake the vetting exercise on Thursday (yesterday). The matches will be played on Friday.
“Most of the district champions have been confirmed except for Mutare and Buhera for boys. The two districts will have their district finals this week before the finals on Friday. Mutasa and Nyanga will also have their finals for girls this week but all the other districts have already finished,” said Machuwaire.
Apart from the defending champions Gaza, Chipinge will also field district winners Mt Selinda while Chimanimani will be represented by St Charles Luwanga.
