Botswana in Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup Tourney

The Pan-African tournament is a showcase of skills and talent aimed at developing young footballers into the next generation of soccer starsSEE ALSO:

The second edition of the COPA Coca-Cola Africa Cup will be taking place this year in Thika, Kenya from the 2^nd to 5^th of December 2019.

Kenya are the defending champions after winning the inaugural tournament last year in Nakuru.  The Botswana team composed of participants from various secondary schools which took part in the COPA Coca-Cola games is hoping to build from last years’ successful experience when they managed to come third, reach the semi-finals where they lost to Nigeria before edging Zambia in the third place match.

The tournament themed ‘Bigger for Better’ seeks to promote a level playing field by bringing together players from different backgrounds and cultures for one goal; be the African champion.

In line with this year’s theme, the COPA Coca-Cola tournament was more than football in all participating schools across Africa. It sought to impact behavior change by introducing plastic collection as part of educating them on the importance of a cleaner environment by taking care of plastics disposal. The campaign is still going on in Botswana areas surrounding Gaborone.

In the Pan-African tournament, 12 teams will compete against each other to determine who will be the Under-16 champion of Africa. The participating teams will include, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Namibia and the host country Kenya.

“The COPA Africa Cup is a platform that will go a long way in ensuring that students are the next generation of soccer stars. The array of stars the tournament has provided to the national football teams of the participating teams is a testament of the crucial nature of the games. Our partner, The Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) has immensely supported and managed the tourney ensuring success of the games,” said Terreisha Naidoo, Botswana Coca-Cola Brand Manager.

The teams will be put into groups of three. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarter finals together with the overall two best third placed teams. The teams will progress to the semi-finals and then finals where the champion will be determined.  The draw is on this Thursday.

The Coca-Cola Company enables people around the world to experience and celebrate their passion for football. The company is one of the longest serving corporate partner of FIFA with a formal relationship since 1974 and an official sponsorship of FIFA World Cup™ that began in 1978.

“Previously, the company invested in taking outstanding players in specialized training in the COPA Coca-Cola global camps where they visited most of the football iconic cities. Now, we are exposing the students to friendly professional competitions, a wide range of coaches and scouts from the best football clubs all over Africa in a bid to ensure they are scouted to continue their footballing journey. We urge all football stakeholders; parents, teachers and scouts to walk with us in this journey of unearthing African football talents and skills,” Said Ms. Phillipine Mtikitiki – General Manager, Coca-Cola East & Central Africa Franchise

The games are part of the company’s wider commitment to improve the sport in the continent. Since 1989, The COPA Coca-Cola tournament has been played in Africa each year with the first country to play the games being Zimbabwe.

Botswana Team

Coach: Thabiso Bame Ramosweu

Head of Delegation:  Jonas Letsweletse