5000 Under-16s set for Copa Cola tournament

A total of 5000 students will participate at this year’s Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 tournament with the sponsorship package boosted to KSh21.5m, organisers announced on Saturday.

The beverage manufacturing giants have renewed their contract with the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) in a new deal that will run to 2020.

During the launch of this year’s event held at the Upper Hill High school, the sponsors noted that there’s a 25% increase from last year’s games with 3,670 games expected to be played throughout the tournament.

Speaking during the launch which was headed by several guests and former players including former Mathare United and AFC Leopards iconic Musa Otieno,Chairman of Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Peter Orero termed the Copa Coca-Cola tournament as “the biggest” investment in nurturing youthful football across the country.

He said,”I think this is the biggest investement that Kenya can ever have to support development of talents.The only way to develop talents is to invest in the youths and it’s a very big step for the Copa to come and make this happen.”

Orero also challenged the participants in this year’s tournament to use the opportunity and showcase their talents saying that Copa provides a platform to develop sports in the country.

Sylvester Mulambi,one of the Directors for Co-curicullum activities in the ministry of Education,urged the students to be more ambitious and take the competition with more seriousness.

He further went ahead to assure the sponsors that they will work hand in hand in so as to give the participants a more comfortable environment.

“I want to assure the Copa that we shall walk together in this journey of nurturing and developing talents in Kenya.”,echoed Mulambi.

Meanwhile,former Harambee Stars icon Musa Otieno echoed Mulambi’s comments by highlighting the achievements of some great players who have achieved through football and the Copa tournaments.

He said,”As one of the key figures in Kenyan football,we should be on the forefront in making sure that these kids achievetheir dreams through motivation,nevertheless the kids should alsobe responsible and use every opportunity that comes their way.”

On the other hand,the brand manager of the Sponsors Rodney Nzioka noted some of the great players who passed through the tournaments and was hopeful that many more will follow their paths.

He went on to add that their main aim is to offer the students a stepping-stone to realize their sporting potential so that they can achieve their dreams at a tender age.

“The competitive and professionally managed games conducted in partnership with KSSSA have been the beginning of successful careers of notable players in the country such as Harun Nyakha of Wazito FC,Peter Odhiambo of Gor Mahia and many more”,said Rodney.

The under-16 students tournament will compete to grace the national championship which will be staged in Eldoret between July 20th and 29th July later on this year.