Eight teenagers chosen from the recent Copa Coca-Cola national finals in Bloemfontein were given a resounding send-off in Johannesburg’s Discovery Soccer Park as they leave for Paris in France.
They will embark on an experience of a lifetime for the Copa Coca-Cola Global Camp, joining more than 100 footballing teens from around the world.
In 1989 a football tournament was established by Sam Muzyanya in Bulawayo. The goals was to inspire young footballers at grassroots level. The tournament later became the Copa Coca-Cola. Today, Copa Coca-Cola spans more than 60 countries around the globe.
The six-day trip will be packed with training sessions, workshops, games, events, as well as coaching and guidance from members of the French Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint Germain’s coaching team. The boys will further be rubbing shoulders with none other than Spain and Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernandez, who will take up the role of ambassador for the camp which takes place from 29 June to 4 July.
The eight Copa Coca-Cola graduates are Siyabonga Mkhwanazi from Bophelong Impilo Community School; Leathan Croats from Mondale High School; Sebaco Rebaone from Kimberly Technical High School; Mandla Mokoena from Zacheus Maleka High School; Likhanye Ndlende and Zaba Nxumalo both from Clapham High School; Kagiso Khulu from Sol Plaatjies High School; and Lankie Khoza from St Mark’s School.
The players caught the eye of selectors at the Copa Coca-Cola at the recent national finals and, as a result, they are on their way to the home of the ongoing Uefa’s Euro 2016 tournament to test their skills and fly the South African flag on the global stage.
Coca-Cola South Africa’s senior communications manager for brand experience, Fetsi Mbele said Coca-Cola always strives to use various sporting platforms to benefit the youth of South Africa and to aid in the development of the country’s next sporting superstars.
“It doesn’t come much better than the Copa Coca-Cola Global Camp, with an action-packed schedule, the teens attending will have the opportunity to gain skills, enjoy new experiences with new international friends and even meet and learn from a Fifa World Cup champion, Xavi Hernandez,” said Mbele.
