Copa goes for Mpumalanga
THE Kamhlushwa Stadium in Mpumalanga will be the centre of attraction this weekend as the province gets its chance to host this year’s Copa Cocacola.
Since kicking off earlier this month, the globally acclaimed school’s football tournament has been nothing short of entertaining. The Mpumalanga province will be the fourth stop for the youth tournament after kicking off in Cape Town earlier last month.
To date, three schools from the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape have successful secured a place in this year’s finals in Durban next month.
Four schools from the different Mpumalanga regions will battle it out this weekend in an attempt to represent their province for the ultimate prize.
Outside of the football action, teenagers and the 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 anthem.
The popular hitmaker will be travelling to each final, collecting sound bytes 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 on offer in Mpumalanga.
“School football has always been dear to my heart. I was discovered playing at school and the event and it is worth applauding. Mpumalanga 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.
The president of the South African School’s Football Association, Mandla Mazibuko, said the tournament continues to provide a good platform for talent identification.
“What a perfect hunting ground that these players are exposed to. Through this partnership Sasfa has touched the lives of several youngsters who have now gone on to represent our nation in global competitions.” said Mazibuko.
SKILLS