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Peter Tanyanyiwa Cool Sport Writer
Defending champions of Mashonaland East Chemhanza High School were crowned winners of the 26th Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 and Under-17 football tournament after beating Oriel Boys’ High 2-0 at Gwanzura Stadium last weekend. Chemhanza walked away with US$6 500 and a floating trophy while Oriel got US$5 000 courtesy of goals from twin brothers, Manuel and Takudzwa Chiwerenga. The 2014 outstanding team of the tournament was Hwedza School. Mkondwa who surprisingly got through to the semi-finals with a nine-man team after 11 of their players were controversially disqualified for questionable age. They fielded only eight players and a makeshift goalkeeper but managed to qualify from their group.

In the ladies category, St Francis High School were on fire as they scored goals at will and dated defending champions Chidyamakono in the final. The guest of honor was former Zimbabwe captain Peter Ndlovu Ndlovu, the star who used to play for Mzilikazi High in the early 90s, a school which interestingly is one of former champion of the tournament.

Other football personalities such as Norman Mapeza, Taurai Mangwiro, Norman Maroto, John Phiri, and Ashley Rambanepasi were among many others who attended the exciting annual football festival.

Individual Prizes:
Best Goalkeeper: Panashe Nyabunga (Oriel).
Top Goal corer: Dion Zhuwakinyu (Mkondwa).
Best Midfielder: Tatenda Tumba (Chemhanza).
Best Defender: Takaedza Mazhuwarara (Mkondwa).
Player of the Tournament: Tatenda Tumba (Chemhanza).