TWELVE of the country’s top U-16 soccer players selected during the Copa Coca-cola tournament will today leave for a regional camp at a High Performance Center in South Africa.

Dubbed the Junior Dream Team, the players are set to take part at the camp that will see them being exposed to interactive experiences and inter-twine with their pals from seven other countries.

Some of the countries which will take part include Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi and hosts South Africa among others.

H-Metro spoke to some of the players who made it into the team and they expressed excitement.

“I am eager to go and learn in South Africa because I know I will go places after I better my skills at such an environment.

“I am happy to have made it through to the national selection and it has been my dream to play the game at high levels, so the trip will enhance my skills towards such achievements,” said Panashe Mapuranga (15) a student from Rujeko High school.

Churchill Boys High U-16 striker who made it from Harare province also echoed the same sentiments.

“I am excited about the trip and wish to take the country’s flag higher as we take part at the high performance centre this week.

“I urge all junior players out there to continue with their stance in the game so that one day they may reach where we are today,” he said.

Yesterday the players, in the company of a delegation from Coca-cola, watched the match between Dynamos and Hwange at Rufaro.

Coca cola activations manager Vee Sibanda, who is accompanying the team, said:

“We are hoping the players are going to build a wealth of knowledge for them to grow in their  soccer.

“They will have a better chance to learn from international coaches, train in selected grounds, meet with other players from other countries at different levels of the game,” she said.

The 12 were selected during the NASH tournament that was won by Rujeko High School held earlier this year.

Mzingaye Sibanda (15) Mzingwane High School
Washington Nkomo (15) Gwanda High School
Ronald Master (15) Chemhanza High School
Munashe Pini (14) Churchill Boys
Lee Runodamoto (15) Dewure High School
Kelvin Chirema (14) Chemhanza High School
Edward Machinya (15) Dewure High School
Matripples Muleya (15) Sobukhazi High School
Tafadzwa Musamba (15) Chemhanza High School
Panashe Mapuranga (15) Rujeko High School
Tatenda Jamu (15) Rujeko High School