The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ASPIRING footballer Tafadzwa Dhliwayo of Gifford High School tomorrow sets off on a trip of a lifetime to Paris, France for a Copa Coca-Cola International Football Camp which runs from Wednesday up to 4 July.
Dhliwayo, an attacking midfielder who usually operates behind the strikers or at right link is travelling to the European country with striker Joe Moyo of Guinea Fowl. The 15-year-old from Bulawayo’s oldest township of Makokoba and Moyo were part of the Zimbabwean team which participated in last year’s Copa Coca-Cola regional training camp in Pretoria, South Africa, having been spotted during the Zimbabwean national finals held in Bulawayo. In the neighbouring country, Dhliwayo was voted as the most outstanding team player.
It has been an exciting last few months for Dhliwayo who almost could not make the journey to South Africa because he only secured his passport on the day of travelling. Less than a year later, he is now headed for France.
Dhliwayo expressed happiness at his impeding trip overseas where he is eager to put his flair on display and said his family was pleased with his progress as they were wishing him all the best. Unfortunately he does not qualify to participate in this year’s competition since he turns 16 in September.
“I am really delighted, when I get there I want to showcase my talent, my family is happy and they are wishing me all the best.
I have been training really well for the trip but I cannot play in the tournament this year because I am overage,’’ said Dhliwayo.
His coach at Gifford, Nathan Tshuma is impressed with Dhliwayo’s achievements as he believes that the youngster is doing a splendid job in marketing his school by showing that sportspersons from the institution can do extremely well.
“It is a good thing that he is going to France, he also puts our school on the map because it shows that Gifford has sports and sportsmen who can excel. He has improved by going outside the country, he can go to higher places than he can expect, it also encourages other youngsters that they can be something,’’ said Tshuma.
According to the program for the camp, the participants and their chaperones arrive in Paris on Wednesday. Some of the activities lined up for them include among others training sessions, a media event with former Barcelona captain Xavier “Xavi” Hernandez, a tournament among the youngsters, an awards ceremony, a lunchtime boat cruise on the seine river, a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a trip to the Stade de France.
Information obtained by this publication shows that Coca-Cola will be responsible for all guests including but not limited to, financial responsibilities, insurance, airfare from their home country and back, all travel expenses while within France, accommodation as well as food. Other southern African countries sending youngsters to France are Botswana, Malawi and Zambia. In order to qualify for the camp, the boys have to be aged between 13 to 15 years while participants who turn 16 leading up to the camp are allowed.
Last year, two Zimbabwean youngsters Devine Khumalo of Mzilikazi High School as well as Leeroy Willie of Oriel Boys High attended a Copa Coca-Cola International training camp in Lindow, Germany where they received expert coaching from international football mentors and some members of the Germany team which won the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
Dhliwayo and Moyo’s going to France should serve as an inspiration to other youngsters in the country to do well in this year’s Copa Coca-Cola whose national finals are scheduled for Gwanda from 22 to 24 July.
Coca-Cola Zimbabwe market activation manager Vee Chibanda is accompanying the two boys to France.
