The 2013 COPA Coca-Cola provincial finals kick off in Kwa-Zulu Natal this weekend

The 2013 COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finals will kick-off on 10-11 August at the University of Pietermaritzburg Sports Ground, Kwa-Zulu Natal when 12 of the best schools from the region will lock horns with the hope of being crowned Provincial Champions.

COPA Coca-Cola has played a pivotal role in developing football heroes for the benefit of the junior national teams, and culminating in the Senior Men’s Team as evidenced through the 2013 official tournament brand ambassador and current Orlando Pirates right-back Happy Jele.

This year more lucrative incentives have been put before the 2000 participating schools from around the country, including an opportunity to showcase their talent at the National Finals scheduled for 10-13 October 2013, recruitment into the All Star Invitational Team and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of the International COPA Camp.

“We are delighted with the commencement of the 2013 COPA Coca-Cola tournament and are also excited about the new initiatives we have introduced such as the All Star Invitational Team and the International COPA Camp in Brazil next year, where the most promising youngsters will be selected to participate,” said Coca-Cola South Africa’s Marketing Assets Manager, Fetsi Mbele.

“COPA Coca-Cola encourages teens from a young age to be involved in physical activity as part of an active healthy lifestyle not only on the football field but also through the various recognition ceremonies in schools where we will further engage with teens.

“This being our seventh edition of the COPA Coca-Cola tournament in partnership with The South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), the number of youngsters and schools have increased every year with a total of 2 000 schools and an incredible 30 000 footballers expected to take part this year,” concluded Mbele.

In addition, this year Coca-Cola hosted recognition ceremonies for the participating heroes at their various schools to the cheers of their fellow learners.  This initiative is aimed at fostering support and acknowledgement for the teams.

SASFA President, Mandla Mazibuko, reiterated the successes of the competition, “We have witnessed an influx of young footballers with talent into our various development phases because of COPA Coca-Cola’s wide reach and dedication to development of the game in South Africa for over a decade,” said Mazibuko.