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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
COPA Coca-Cola boys defending champions Rujeko have said they are on a mission to defend their crown in Bindura on Friday and Saturday.

The team won the tournament in Gwanda last year. They lost the 2015 edition to Dewure on penalties at Barbourfields.

Rujeko coach Ranga Chatura believes they have the capacity to defend their title given they will be receiving a lot of home support. “We have done everything and we are geared up for the tournament, our target is to win the group stages where we face Gutu and George Chipadza and once we clear that huddle we will not look back.

“The boys are working hard and I think we will do well. There is a lot of support from fellow students, parents and the community. “We hope that we will win our group stage games and go all the way to the finals.

“Our aim is to reclaim the title and I believe with the players we have it is very possible,” said Chatura. Organisers expect this year’s tournament to be one of the most exciting with a number of schools coming to the show with a good chance of winning the tourney.

The Copa Coca-Cola tournament is celebrated as the biggest schools football tournament in the country.

A number of Premiership and Division One coaches are expected to converge in Bindura to catch a glimpse of the best emerging football talent in the country.

Teams

Boys: Oriel Boys (Harare), Takwirira (Manicaland), Kundayi (Mashonaland Central), Sabiwa (Matabeleland South), Gutu High (Masvingo), Lobengula (Bulawayo), Rusununguko (Mashonaland East), Tohwe (Matabeleland North), Pfupajena (Mashonaland West), George Chipadza (Midlands), Chipindura High (hosts), Rujeko (defending champions).

Girls: Vainona (Harare), Mamunyadza (Manicaland), Rushinga (Mashonaland Central), Tongwe (Matabeleland South), Mwenezi (Masvingo), Mpopoma (Bulawayo), Parirewa (Mashonaland East), Somvubu (Matabeleland North), Sodbury (Mashonaland West), Guinea Fowl (Midlands), Hermann Germainer (host), Chidyamakono (Masvingo).