Six Education Division finalists are set to battle for the Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 schools’ football tournament in Kasungu District from this morning.
All the teams camped ahead of the three-day championship, which is expected to wind up on Sunday.
Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) General Secretary, Blackson Malamula, said they were impressed with the progress of the tournament.
Malamula vowed to crack down on any team that would feature over-aged players.
“We will work jointly with our sub-committees to check whether the players are within the age-bracket. We don’t want to ruin the objectives of this competition. So far, the competition has been exciting and some of its products are among the players in the Under-17 national team,” he said.
Group A has South East Education Division (Seed), Shire Highlands Education Division (Shed) and Central East Education Division (Ceed), whereas Northern Education Division (Ned), South West Education Division (Swed) and Central West Education Division (Cwed) make up Group A.
Seed will face Shed in the opener with Ned taking on Swed. In other group matches, Ceed will entertain Seed while Cwed will meet Ned. Shed will date Ceed with Swed meeting Swed.
Top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals set for tomorrow.
Coca-Cola Senior Brands Manager, Titha Mbilizi, said they wanted the teams to enjoy the competition which will be spiced up by music.
“We have prepared entertainment for the teams. We are also bringing excitement to the community through entertainment from our Fun Truck team, who will engage Coca-Cola consumers for three days,” Mbilizi said.
“Prize-giving this year will not take place on the pitch, instead we have organised a cocktail party (snacks and refreshments) at Kasungu Inn where the winners will be awarded, in style.”
Mbilizi said Coca-Cola was impressed with Massa’s management of the tournament.
“They started registration much earlier in the program. The increased sponsorship is a positive contributor to the administration logistics, which enables Massa to stretch out their reach to the schools across the country,” she said.
The champions will pocket K1 million with the runners-up receiving K750,000. Third-placed side will pocket K500,000.
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