Goals galore as Copa Coca-Cola tourney begins

By Erick Ochieng’

Indomitable thrashed Kamukunji 5-0 at City Stadium in Nairobi as the sixth edition of Copa Coca-Cola Under-15 football tournament kicked off on Saturday.

Semata Charles, Wilson Imbanyi (brace), Allan Kinyanjui and Lucas Muteti scored to give Indomitable the deserved win.

Golden Angels soared against Uefa Babes by a similar margin courtesy of goals from Lilian Bibiana (brace) and Elizabeth Katunguas (hat-trick).

Makadara Juniors too left nothing to chance as they soared 3-1 against Makamu United with the help of Isaac Oduor, Solomon Mbiti and Tyron Xavier. The contest between MYSA and Goa ended 1-1.

The match pitting former Harambee Stars players against the Kenya Sports Journalists (KSJ) ended 1-0 in favour of  the veterans who went home Sh20,000 richer. KSJ were awarded Sh15,000  for braving the heat to tackle the  veterans.

Meanwhile, major changes have been made to this year’s Copa edition. The age limit for players in the event has been lowered from 17 to 15.

Unlike last year where outstanding individual players were scouted from each level, this year’s edition will see teams progress as a cohesive unit all through to the international camp to be conducted by Chelsea FC coaches in South Africa later in the year.

“National winners will get Sh500,000, runners up Sh200,000 while third place finishers will pocket Sh100,000,” Rocky Findley, Coca-Cola Kenya Country Manager, revealed.

This year’s tournament is open to schools and community teams with each Football Kenya Federation (FKF) branch presenting six boys teams and four in the girl’s category.

FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya who presided over the launch at City Stadium assured that the  team selected last year in Mombasa remains the official national Under-17 outfit.