KaMhlushwa Stadium will be the centre of attraction this weekend as the province gets its chance to host this year’s COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finals on Saturday.
Since kicking off earlier this month, the globally acclaimed school’s football tournament has been nothing short of entertainment. The province will be the fourth stop for the Coca-Cola sponsored youth tournament after kicking off in Cape Town earlier last month. Schools participating in this year’s tournament for the provincial finals are Tikhontele High School – Ehlanzeni, Soshangane High School – Bohlabela, Zacheus Malaza High School – Nkangala, Chief Jerry Nkosi Secondary School – Gert Sibande. To date, three schools from the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape have successfully secured a place in this year’s tournament national finals, taking place in Durban in September.
The ball is the centre of every game, but you have to keep equal focus on your teammates. pic.twitter.com/gimjeZFmDZ
— Copa Coca-Cola (@CopaCocaCola) February 11, 2017
Four schools from all regions in Mpumalanga will battle it out this weekend in an attempt to represent the province for the ultimate prize of being crowned COPA Coca-Cola champions. Outside of the football action, teenagers and the general public will have the opportunity of dancing to the beats of well known disc jockey, DJ Speedsta, who has partnered with Coca-Cola for this year’s COPA Coca-Cola anthem. The popular hit-maker will be travelling to each provincial final, collecting sound bites from teenagers to incorporate into the final mix of this year’s anthem titled: “Champions”. Also, in attendance, this weekend will be one of the tournament’s ambassadors, Lucky Lekgwathi, who said he was looking forward to seeing the talent Mpumalanga has to offer.
“School football has always been dear to my heart. I was discovered playing at a school and what Coca-Cola is doing is worth applauding. This province has produced some of the best footballers this country has ever seen. A classic example is Happy Jele, who ironically played in this tournament,” said Lekgwathi. President of the South African School’s Football Association, Mandla Mazibuko said the tournament continues to provide a good platform to identify talent. “What perfect hunting ground that these players are exposed to, thanks to this tournament. Through this partnership with Coca-Cola, SASFA has touched the lives of several youngsters who have now gone on to represent our nation in global competitions. We wish all the teams participating this year the best of luck,” said Mazibuko.
