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Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MAMUNYADZA High of Buhera became the first team from Manicaland to reach the finals of the Copa Coca Cola schools girls’ football competition during the 2017 edition of the event in Bindura.

Since the inception of the girls competition in 2011, no school from Manicaland has ever reached the finals.

While the boys have achieved that feat in previous editions of the tournament, with Dangamvura High Boys team reaching the finals of the 2010 edition, the girls have struggled.

However, Mamunyadza wrote their piece of history this year when they booked a berth in the final against five-time champions Chidyamakono.

After an impressive showing in the group stages, quarter-finals and semi-finals of the 2017 event, Mamunyadza fell 1-0 to Chidyamakono courtesy of a Beatrice Machona goal.

In 2011, Manicaland were represented by Rukweza High girls’ team.

They were booted out of the contest in group stages.

A year later Nyamauru High School represented Manicaland and they were beaten in the semi-final.

Nyamauru retained the provincial title in 2013 and 2014 but still failed to progress beyond the group stages.

After dominating Manicaland province girls high school football for five years in a row, Nyamauru fell to Chidyamakono in the semi-finals of the 2015 contest.

Last year Nyamauru had no joy after exiting the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

The province’s 2017 Copa Coca-Cola success story saw Mamunyadza’s four players — Sipiwe Mugara, Juliana Wengwere, Solve Muchau and Tadiwa Chatora — being selected to be part of the 20 member girls Dream Team that will soon go to South Africa for a training camp.

Mugara was named Player of the Tournament in the girl’s category.

Mamunyadza coach Albert Mutandwa acknowledged that it was a tough campaign.

“It was a tough journey and we were not expecting to go that far as it was our first time to play at the Copa national finals. We have gained a lot of experience and exposure. We will bounce back a better side next time,” he said.

There was no joy for Takwirira High who were representing Manicaland in the boys section.

They finished their campaign without even a point to take back home.