Copa Coca Cola introduces Five Aside Soccer
ORGANISERS of the Copa Coca Cola soccer tournament have introduced the Five Aside Soccer replacing the Eleven Aside ahead of the 29th edition of the annual Copa Coca Cola tournament set for next month.
Speaking at a workshop held at The King Solomon Hotel in Kwekwe last Friday, Coca Cola Zimbabwe market activation manager Vee Chibanda said they have introduced the five aside soccer to match international standards. She also added that Copa Cola had its boys selection changed from an U16 to U15 so as to go along with the Federation of International Football Association rules.
“We have shifted from the Under16 to Under 15 in the boys’ category.
“FIFA only recognise the Under 15, Under 17 and Under 20.
“We have also introduced five aside soccer so that we give our boys enough time to prepare ahead of the world cup event.
“It will also cut on the travelling expenses. We will play in our country and the champion in each market will represent the country at an annual Under 15 Five aside World Cup Tournament.
“There is no change in the girls’ category as they will continue to compete in the Under17,” she said.
The 29th edition of the Copa Coca Cola tournament will be officially launched at Rujeko High School in Glendale on May 24.
The zonal games will kick start on May 26, followed by districts games on June 9.
The provincial games will be played on July 7. The national games will be played on July 20 in Bindura.
Chipindura High School will host the boys while and Herman Gmeiner will host the girls.