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RARING TO GO . . . Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 girls Dream Team and their coach, Yeukai Chiruvu (left) and Coca-Cola marketing activations manager Vee Chibanda (fifth from left), pose for a photo during a send-off ceremony in Harare yesterday

Harare Bureau
NATIONAL Association of Secondary School Heads acting head in charge of football Ropafadzo Matemavi has urged the Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 boys and girls Dream Teams going for the global camp in Durban, South Africa, to utilise the opportunity they have been afforded.

The teams made up of eight players each are expected to leave for South Africa this morning where they will join countries from across the globe for the camp that will run until October 9.

The girls will be making their maiden appearance at the camp.

Addressing the players at a send-off ceremony that was also attended by parents yesterday in Harare, Matemavi said this is a chance for the up-and-coming players to further develop their talent.

“To the learners themselves, the beneficiaries, I would want to encourage them to utilise such an opportunity to be able to showcase your talent.

“You need to consider this opportunity as a stepping stone to greater heights.

“There is need for you to be focused, to work hard in order for you to continue to develop your talent.

“And as we go we want you to remember this is a platform for us to put ourselves on the map, not only ourselves but also clearly the name of your family, you also represent the country,” said Matemavi.

The players will have the opportunity to be imparted with mentorship and football skills from professional coaches who will be availed to them.

They will tour a number of places including the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

They are also going to compete in five-a-side matches and the draw will be conducted this evening when all teams arrive. The matches will kick-off on Friday.

Yesterday’s send-off was graced by Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who is a product of the tournament himself as well as the pair of Tatenda Munditi and Tatenda Tumba, who are now with Premiership side, Harare City.

Ndiraya took time to address the players and parents attending the function, highlighting some of the key factors in the development of the youngsters such as moral and psychological support from parents.

He also emphasised the importance of good nutrition for the physical development of players before he implored the youngsters to be disciplined and committed.

Coca-Cola marketing activations manager, Vee Chibanda, said they were excited to be taking the girls team for the first time and were committed to the development of sport.

Copa Coca-Cola winning coaches, Yeukai Chiruvu of Chidyamakono will be in charge of the girls’ team while the boys will be coached by Eremu Joseph Madzinga of Rusununguko High School.

Teams
Boys: Adrian Svidzi (Rusununguko), Abel Mawunga (Rusununguko), Oscar Magejo (Rusununguko), Clayton Muchemwa (Oriel Boys), Takudzwa Kawodza (Oriel Boys), Shungu Gato (Chipindura), Takudzwa Dube (Chipindura), Denzel Marufu (Rusununguko).

Girls: Fambainashe Mvere (Mpopoma High), Praynence Zwawanda (Vainona High), Erita Zvenyika (Tongwe), Nokuzola Ncube (Tongwe), Beverly Nyandoro (Sodbury), Letwin Hlongwane (Mwenezi), Atida Nyagudza (Chidyamakono), Rutendo Matemera (Chidyamakono).