The COPA Coca-Cola is
now in its seventh year and tens of thousands of South African teens have
enjoyed competing in the tournament to-date. The initiative recognises that
there is not only the technical side of football but also an active lifestyle
that makes you realise your dreams.
COPA
Coca-Cola® provides the platform for learners to inspire their friends, family
and their greater community to lead a more energetic and healthy lifestyle.
Science has shown us that the benefits of daily exercise include growing and
development healthy bone, muscles and assisting with weight management.
Learners
face a number of challenges in their daily lives, no matter what background
they come from, and getting onto the football pitch provides them with an
enjoyable way to release energy and build dreams for tomorrow.
“Coca-Cola encourages physical activity as
part of an active, healthy lifestyle through many different stages, one of
which is the COPA Coca-Cola. The tournament is a fun environment for youngsters
to get exercise, enjoy themselves and feel part of a team. We want to grow
healthy bodies and minds so that the learners can lead a more balanced
lifestyle in the future,” Coca-Cola South Africa’s Marketing Assets Manager,
Fetsi Mbele, says.
“COPA
Coca-Cola® provides an opportunity for young stars to have their talent
recognized and rewarded. We have put together a team of scouts who will be
looking for those special gems who show potential to be able to go on and make
a career out of football.” Mbele added.
One
man who knows all about the benefits healthy lifestyle is Orlando Pirates and
Bafana Bafana right-back Happy Jele, who himself starred in the COPA Coca-Cola®
as a youngster.
“There is no greater feeling than being out
there on the pitch; I still get a thrill from it today. Working hard to keep
your body at an optimum performance level is about discipline and that is
another important lesson for these learners. To be fit and healthy, and playing
the sport you love, is a great achievement and COPA Coca-Cola® is an excellent
starting point for these youngsters,” Jele says.
The
2013 COPA Coca-Cola® Provincial Finals officially kicked-off two weeks ago,
another chapter in the rich history of a tournament that has already produced
top local stars Jele, Andile Jali and Mandla Masango.
Tikhontele
Secondary School from Mpumalanga and Qhilika High School from Kwazulu-Natal
have already booked their places at the 2013 COPA Coca-Cola National Finals to
be held in Cape Town from 10 – 13 October 2013.
The
next provinces to host their Provincial Finals are Gauteng and Limpopo on the
31st August 2013.
This
year, however, there will be a lot more to play for with the inclusion of an
All Star Invitational Team scouted from the pool of up-and-coming football
heroes.
The
All Star Invitational Team provides aspiring footballers the opportunity to
fast-track their way into the final phase along with the most promising players
from around the provinces. This team
will be scouted during the provincial phase of the competition, and will then
compete against the remaining nine provincial team winners in the four-day COPA
Coca-Cola National Finals.
