Nakuru ready for Copa Coca-Cola Cup of Nations

Twelve nations will converge in Nakuru for the Under-16 Copa Coca-Cola Cup of Nations tournament this month, with organisers welcoming the youth fiesta as a marvelous platform to churn out new talent.

The tournament, set for December 10 to 15, will be graced by countries from diverse Confederation of African Football (CAF) zones, including Cecafa, Wafu, Cosafa and Cosafa.

St. Anthony Boys High School and Moi Girls Nagili will fly Kenya’s flag in the boys and girls categories respectively.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the tournament, Coca-Cola (sponsors of the competition) Brand Manager Rodney Nzioka underscored the stage will play a key role in laying foundation for future football stars.

“This platform will help to harness talent, nurture and give them an avenue to prosper. We are grateful that we will aid in developing of next generation of great football stars,” said Nzioka.

Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Secretary General David Ngugi echoed Nzioka’s sentiments, noting such age group tournaments  has beautiful history of birthing global stars, right from secondary school level.

“Most of the senior successful players in this country have played in this tournament, we have the likes of McDonald Mariga, Michael Olunga and Victor Wanyama, who have passed through the tournament,” said Ngugi.

Director of Education Patrick Sirengo was chuffed at the role the sponsors are playing in sports development through schools, saying football offers alternatives as a pathway for learners who are talented and are keen on developing in the aspect.

“As a ministry we are ready for the first ever Copa Coca-Cola Africa championship to be held in Nakuru and we are already working with our respective agencies; Ministry of Interior and Coordination, National Police Service and our teams from Nakuru to ensure we have a successful festival,” said Sirengo.

Group A  has Zimbabwe who will play alongside Mozambique, Group B having Uganda taking on Malawi while Group C brings together Nigeria and Zambia. Angola and South Africa are in Group D, hosts Kenya and neighbours Ethiopia in Group E while Tanzania and Botswana complete the matrix in  Group F.

The Kenyan girls will play against the Mozambique, which is the only foreign country to bring a female team in the tournament.