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SILVER MEDALLISTS . . . Oriel Boys’ Under-16 football team, who came second in the Copa Coca-Cola tournament, pose for a group photo at Gwanzura on Sunday shortly before their final showdown against defending champions, and eventual winners, Chemhanza High School

Jonathan John Sports Reporter
THE top schools football teams, from across the country, converge at Chinhoyi High School for this year’s Under-17 National Association of Secondary School Heads provincial finals tomorrow.
Organisers said the tournament will not have corporate sponsorship this year following the withdrawal of traditional partners M&H Educational Suppliers.
NASH head in charge of football, Albert Macheka, yesterday told The Herald they have set aside US$5 000 for the event slated for the next two days.

“M&H Educational Suppliers have traditionally been the co-sponsors of the tournament but their departure will not take away the spirit.
“The tournament is going to be sponsored from the NASH coffers. A total of US$5 000 has been availed by the (NASH) board and preparations for the finals have reached an advanced stage,” said Macheka.

The NASH Under-17 tournament has been used as a stage to showcase the best talents from the country’s 10 provinces as it featured only the best teams from a rigorous qualifying campaign.

Apart from national championship title, which is priceless, the winners of the tourney will walk away with a glittering trophy and US$550 in prize money.
The runners-up will get US$450, the third-placed team will get US$300 and the fourth-placed team will get US$250.

The losing quarter-finalists will get US$200 each.
Each participating team will get US$100 each.

There are also going to be individual prizes for the top goal-scorer, player and goalkeeper of the tournament.
“As NASH’s mission is to nurture football from the grassroots level, there will also be a category dubbed the Fair Play award.

“This award will be given to the most disciplined team in the tournament.”
Prince Edward High, who dismissed Lord Malvern High 1-0 to book their place at this year’s national finals, will be joined by defending champions Conway College (Mashonaland West), Gaza High (Manicaland), Manunure (Midlands), Mavhuradonha (Mashonaland Central), Mzilikazi (Bulawayo), Mosi-a-tunya (Matabeleland North), Gwanda (Matabeleland South), Gutu High (Masvingo), hosts Chinhoyi and Pfupajena.