The Sunday News
THE Copa Coca-Cola Zimbabwe boys’ Dream Team leaves the country tomorrow for South Africa where they will participate in a regional training camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
A squad of 14 Under-16 players makes the trip to the neighbouring country out of the 20 players chosen by journalists who covered the national finals staged in Bulawayo in July. They return home on Saturday. Coached by Dewure coach Paul Mahutu from the boys winning school, the Zimbabwean youngsters have an opportunity to get expert mentoring from the Chelsea junior coaches.
Zimbabwe will also play matches against junior players from other southern African countries. The Zimbabwe select side won the Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup in 2013 in South Africa in 2013, then under the guidance of Never Mhandu of Chemhanza.
Last year, there was no Copa Coca-Cola training camp for the African countries as it was set for Kenya then later cancelled because of the ebola scare.
Zimbabwe will join fellow southern African countries, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia during the weeklong camp.
Nomathemba Halimana, the Coca-Cola Zimbabwe country manager, said their dedication to Copa Coca-Cola will see them make sure that they make the dreams of these youngsters come true.
“We are committed to the Copa Coca-Cola promise and will spare no expense to ensure that we put these budding stars on the right track to achieve their dreams. The boys are excited about making it to South Africa.
“They have become heroes in their communities and will be a reference point for aspiring football players willing to turn their dreams into reality through Copa Coca-Cola,’’ she said.
Takunda Jinda, the Coca-Cola Zimbabwe senior franchise brand manager is the head of delegation.
Players
Rodwell Manhungo, Hagiazo Magaya (both Prince Edward), Jinjihad Murayamwene, Kelvin Dube, Douglas Mapfumo (all Chemhanza), Ellson Mweha, Joe Moyo (both Guinea Fowl), Xesha Ndlovu (Tsholotsho), Ronald Wadula, Ishmael Nyanhi, (both Rujeko), Prince Milanzi, Cardwell Chifamba (both Dewure), Mongameli Tshuma (Mpopoma), Tafadzwa Dhliwayo (Gifford)
Chaperones
Paul Mahutu, Albert Mucheka, Katazile Sibanda, Takunda Jinda
