Rujeko claim Copa Coca-Cola final PARTY TIME . . . Rujeko players celebrate their triumph in this year’s Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Gwanda yesterday. — (Picture by David Makacha)
PARTY TIME . . . Rujeko players celebrate their triumph in this year’s Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Gwanda yesterday. — (Picture by David Makacha)

PARTY TIME . . . Rujeko players celebrate their triumph in this year’s Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Gwanda yesterday. — (Picture by David Makacha)

Ellina Mhlanga in Gwanda
THE 2016 edition of the COPA Coca-Cola soccer tournament came to an end yesterday with Rujeko from Mashonaland Central claiming the title for the first time in the boys section while Chidyamakono from Masvingo were crowned girls’ champions for the fourth consecutive year at Phelandaba. For Rujeko, it was sweet victory as they picked up from last year’s disappointment of losing the final to Dewure on penalties at Barbourfields.

They beat Chinhoyi High 4-1 on penalties yesterday after the match had ended in a goalless draw in regulation time. Rujeko created some chances but could not utilise them. However, they were more precise from the penalty lottery while their goalkeeper Tanaka Majaji saved one of the Chinhoyi High penalties.

Rujeko coach, Hardware Chatora was a proud man after winning the title they had missed last year. They got it right this time, dismissing Chemhanza 1-0 in the semi-finals to book a date with Chinhoyi High.

“It was a tight contest. Although we were a bit lacking in the first half we managed to improve the second half. Since last year we worked on complacency because last year it appeared we relaxed when we were leading 3-1 on penalties.

“We were really confident going for the penalties because we had thorough practice. We are feeling very proud. It was a very tough competition because our group was a group (Group C) of Death with Pamushana and Guinea Fowl but we managed to top that group. And I believe that was our initial strength,” said Chatora.

His counterpart, Wycliff Kafeso conceded defeat as he said the better team of the day won the tournament.

“We had so much respect for them that’s why we did not attack, we were defending more. Remember they were the losing finalists in the previous edition that’s why they won.

“I think for 60 minutes we matched them. They had their chances and we had our chances but we could not convert. For penalty shoot-outs I believe it’s a matter of luck, like we did yesterday (Saturday) we also progressed to the finals through penalties.

“But I am happy because the last time we entered this tournament was in 2009 when we hosted the tournament and we were number three. Then the second time we come here we finish on number two, to me it’s a big improvement. I believe if we come back next year we will win,” said Kafeso.

While Rujeko won the title for the first time, it’s a different and interesting story for Chidyamakono as they underlined their status as the best team in the Girls Under-17 when they clinched the title for the fourth consecutive year.

Chidyamakono overcame Chipadze 2-0 in the semi-finals on Saturday.

A goal by Neria Mashede in the second half was all Chidyamakono needed to retain the title they first won in 2013. This was the sixth edition for the Girls’ competition.

Mushede scored from a free-kick after Omopariola Havadi was tackled just outside the box by a Magwegwe defender.

Their coach, Yeukai Chiruvu could not hide her joy and attributed their continued success to their junior policy as a school and hard work.

“The game was tough but we had played Magwegwe in the group stages and we noted their strength and weaknesses. We made their weaknesses our strength and we managed to win the trophy.

“I am very happy, I am very excited, right now I think I am the happiest person on earth. What we do is we have got a junior policy at our school and we work extra hard, we really work hard,” said Chiruvu.

Magwegwe coach, Martin Makechemu said they did their best but lady luck was not on their side.

“I think we tried our best but it was not our day. It’s part of football, we matched them everywhere but luck was not on our side,” said Makechemu.

Coca-Cola market activations manager, Vee Chibanda said they are proud to be associated with the tournament, which was pioneered in Zimbabwe 28 years ago as it has grown into over 70 countries around the world.

“Copa Coca-Cola is now an international youth football tournament and a global celebration of football passion. It unites more than 1,5million teens in over 70 countries around the world, promoting an active lifestyle and encouraging values that are the foundation of life and sportsmanship. It’s about team spirit, friendship and respect.

“The Copa Coca-Cola tournament is more than a game. It’s an opportunity for teens to pursue their football dream, and in the process come together to make new friends and learn what it takes to be part of a team,” said Chibanda.

The winners in the boys section walked away with US$5 400 while the girls got US$3 200

Some of the football personalities, who graced the tournament include Harare City assistant coach, Mkhupali Masuku, Noel Kaseke and former Mighty Warriors captain, Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo.

Individual Prizes

Boys

Fair Play: Sobukhazi

Player of the tournament: Panashe Mapuranga (Rujeko).

Top goal scorer: Munyaradzi Matore (Dewure), Tafara Neruwanda (Chinhoyi).

Best midfielder: Munyaradzi Matore (Dewure).

Best defender: Panashe Mapuranga (Rujeko).

Best goalkeeper: Takudzwa Mujuru (Chinhoyi).

Best coach: Hardware Chatora (Rujeko).

Girls

Fair play: Mabelreign Girls High.

Top goal scorer: Neria Mushede (Chidyamakono), Tariro Masewe (Nyamauru).

Best midfielder: Buhlebenkosi Zulu (Magwegwe).

Best defender: Dephine Ndambakuwa (Chidyamakono).

Best goalkeeper: Nyaradzo Chifamba (Chidyamakono).

Best coach: Yeukai Chiruvu (Chidyamakono).

Player of the tournament: Buhlebenkosi Zulu (Magwegwe).

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey