The Maravi Post

MZUZU-Tauka Private Secondary School on Sunday emerged winners of the 2012 Northern Region Copa Coca-cola Schools’ two-day tournament when they dethroned Makerere Private 2-0 in Mzuzu.Lusungu Mpata and Chifundo Malema’s second half goals gave the Karonga based Tauka private the victory in a thrilling match played before scores of supporters at Katoto Secondary school ground.

The Chitipa-based Makerere private school were wasteful upfront as their forwards Suzgo Siyeni and Stain Silavwe ballooned the ball over the bar. The competition however couldn't finish without drama as group B leaders Katoto Secondary School were disqualified from the title race on reasons that they did not accompany their team manager.

The vice divisional chairperson for Copa Coca-cola schools competition Edmond Chakwira defended the committee’s decision to expel Katoto saying it was vital in checking cheating among teams who tend to feature school leavers. Katoto’s team manager Samson Nyirenda was reportedly found playing basketball at the Katoto basket ball court.

 The situation dragged the game into disrepute as Katoto captain Lombani Nyirenda protested over the decision which he described as a plot to oust them from the title as were the best side. The wrangle was later peacefully put to rest for the sake of protecting the sponsorship.

The divisional Copa Coca-Cola committee chair person Osward Lungu said Tauka with a few selected players will represent north in Zomba where divisional champions will compete at national level. Tauka carted home K30, 000 for their feat while runners up Makerere pocketed K20, 000.

Ekwendeni CDSS were third and they received K15, 000. Kapanda of NkhataBay, Mnjiri of Mzimba, Mhuju of Rumphi, Katoto and Likoma were also rewarded K12. 000, K10, 000, K8. 000, K6, 000 and K5, 000 in that order. Guest of honour at the function, the Regional Sports Development Officer for the North Georgina Msowoya thanked Carlsberg Malawi for the sponsorship which she described Malawi's football academy.

She appealed to sports fans to continue buying the Carlsberg bland to sustain the sponsorship. Carlsberg Malawi ’s Sales Manager for the North Paul Kafuliza said conflict was part of every successful tournament but said sponsorship will continue as were impressed with talent identified.

He, however, advised the players to have a vision by blending school with football to guide their future.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.