The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
LAST Wednesday, Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo was meant to be buzzing with excitement as the school was supposed to host the launch event for the country’s most prestigious schools football tournament, Copa Coca-Cola.
Mpopoma made history at the Copa Coca-Cola national finals in Kadoma last year when they defeated Nyamauru 5-4 on penalties to become the first ever school from Bulawayo to lift the girls title since sponsorship for females was introduced in 2011.
Traditionally, the right to host the event has been given to the winners of the boys’ section, with that custom only done away with once in 2015 when Chidyamakono from Masvingo hosted the event at their school. For making history, Mpopoma were meant to be the centre of attraction last Wednesday with National Association of Secondary School Heads leadership from across the country, sponsors as well as legends of the game descending on the Bulawayo school that has for years been known for academic excellence.
The launch would have set the tone for the tournament at district, provincial and eventually the national finals which are scheduled for Masvingo this year. However, with the world grappling the coronavirus which continues to spiral out of control on a daily basis, schools in Zimbabwe remain closed and are yet to re-open for the second term.
With schools closed and sporting activity prohibited in the country, chances of Copa Coca-Cola taking place on the originally scheduled dates are slim. Nash president, Arthur Maphosa is hopeful that things will get back to normal, thereby paving way for Copa Coca-Cola.
“We are hoping that all will return to normal and we are able to host Copa Coca-Cola, both launch and tournament in Masvingo. However, the health of our learners comes first,’’ Maphosa said.
A video call conference did take place between Nash and the sponsors, where the sponsors expressed their willingness to continue funding the tournament which started in 1989.
“We will stand guided by the Government. We had a video meeting on 27 March with our sponsors. They remain committed to the sponsorship and we pray the world triumphs over Covid-19 and our games roll back into life,’’ said Maphosa.
Seeing that the age group that takes part in Copa Coca-Cola is the Under-15 and those are not writing any national examinations, the tournament can take place during the third term.
“Under-15s are not exam classes, we can still squeeze it in as long as our sponsors remain as committed as they have been since 1989. Unless if they turn funding to Covid-19, saving lives, otherwise I believe in a half full bottle, I don’t see it half empty, I am an optimist,’’ he said.
Copa Coca-Cola is the longest continuous sponsored tournament in Zimbabwe having started in 1989 and has been held every year since then. – @Mdawini_29
