NTSU HIGH SCHOOL INTO THE 2011 COPA COCA-COLA FREE STATE PROVINCIAL FINALS

Bohlokong Stadium in Bethlehem hosted the Under 18 Copa Coca-Cola Regional Finals for the Thabo Mofutsanyana region this past weekend. Ntsu high school, fourth time entrants into the competition, beat Taung high School 3 – 0 to win a place in the provincial finals which take place at the same venue on Saturday, 12^th March 2011.

Four schools participated in the tournament that was played on a knockout basis. Ntsu’s first game against Khotso Uxolo High School resulted in a 2 all draw but Ntsu went on to win the match 3 – 2 on penalties to win through to the final. . 

Team Coach, Michael Masooa could not contain his excitement on his team’s success:

“For the past four years I have been eyeing Copa Coca-Cola as a tournament to win and we are now through to the next level, the provincial finals, which is very exciting.  But the battle is not yet won and I will spend the next week preparing the boys mentally and physically for the next step. We are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully will make it to the national finals for the first time this year.”

 

Also looking forward to the provincial finals is Ntsu player, Bekhisiwe Tshabalala:  “This is one opportunity that will remain in my memory for life. Not only is Copa Coca-Cola the best tournaments at school level, but I am fascinated by Andile Jali’s style of play.  Knowing that he was discovered through Copa Coca-Cola has boosted my confidence. I play central midfield just like him.”

The 17-year old captain said that he expects to see quality players unearthed from Free State through this tournament.  He further believes his school has a better than average change of winning through to the national finals, singling out defender, Motsamai Motsamai and striker Kgotso Letswalo as key players  that have it in them to make a difference: “Both players were with the team last year, and know the kind of challenges we will be facing so their advice and knowledge is invaluable to the team.”

“A number of regions held their finals this past weekend and Coca-Cola was at most giving support to the players and the community,” said Anthony Garstang, Brand Experience Manager, Coca-Cola South Africa. “Through Copa Coca-Cola we are looking at promoting an active lifestyle as well as creating a platform for youngsters to show off their skills to be recognised and taken into development structures to be polished.  This year Coca-Cola is also focusing on the fans, the fans that might not be professionals, but these are the supporters of the future. For them we are giving a free 300ml Coke on entry into the stadium and we will further entertain them with music.”

RESULTS:

Teams

 Taung High School

Ntsu   High School

 Mokadi High School

Khotso uxolo High School

             

Semi Finals 1

Taung 1vs Mokadi 0

           

 Semi Finals 2

 Ntsu 3 vs Khotso uxolo 0

Final

Taung 0 vs Ntsu 3

           

Media Enquiries:

Tulisiwe Mkatshwa

Brand PR and Communications Manager

Coca-Cola South Africa

0823771207

On behalf of Coca-Cola

Intune Communications

Pearl Ndlazi

0832321389

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