Ngano fires Mpopoma to Copa Coca-Cola provincial finals
MPOPOMA High School have both their boys and girls teams in the Bulawayo provincial of the Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 tournament after they came through from Mzilikazi District.
It was the girls’ team which showed good form when they were crowned district champions last Thursday with a 3-2 victory over the provincial champions, Magwegwe in their own backyard. They topped their pool with three wins and one draw. In the semi-finals, they clobbered Sikhulile 4-0 before they took care of Magwegwe in the final.
Nkulumane defeated Sikhulile 2-0 in the third place play-off to qualify for the provincial finals since Magwegwe go through as defending champions.
The biggest highlight in Mpopoma’s qualification for the provincial finals was the display of Nomthandazo Ngano who scored 10 goals. Ngano (14), who plays as central striker found the target in every match. She is the daughter of Highlanders member, Cleopas Ngano.
In the boys’ category, Mpopoma beat Lobengula 2-0 in the semi-finals while Sikhulile defeated Mandwandwe 4-3 on penalties in the other last four clash which had ended 0-0 in normal time. Both matches took place at Magwegwe. The final could not take place due to bad light and will now be played this week but both teams have secured their place at the provincial finals.
Mpopoma technical advisor James Rugwevera said Ngano actually trains with the netball team and they only select her for soccer when going for tournaments. On his school’s chances at provincial finals, Rugwevera, who is also the school’s sports director said with the boys he was confident of going all the way to the national tournament.
“With the boys I am sure we are going all the way but with the girls with this age group we are just starting but we will be among the top teams,’’ said Rugwevera.
All Bulawayo districts held their final competitions last Thursday and Friday where teams booked their places at the provincial tournament to be staged on 7 July.
Defending champions, Sobukhazi for the boys and Magwegwe for the girls as well as the host schools have automatic entry to the provincial finals. Mzilikazi District has the hosting rights for the boys while a school from Imbizo will enjoy the privilege of being at home for the girls.
Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 Bulawayo schools for provincial finals:
Mpopoma, Sikhulile, Mzilikazi, Luveve, Masotsha, Saint Bernard’s, Nketa, Christian Brothers College, Gifford, Milton, Sobukhazi(defending champions), Mzilikazi district host school
St Bernard’s, Pumula, Townsend, Montrose, Sobukhazi, Entumbane, Emganwini, Nketa, Mpopoma, Nkulumane, Magwegwe (defending champions), Imbizo district host school.