HOSTS Churchill have declared themselves ready not only to stage a fine Copa Coca-Cola provincial finals, but to also to claim the title.

The provincial finals are scheduled for July 18. Churchill — who represented Harare last year — will host this year’s finals together with sister school Roosevelt who will stage the girls’ finals.

Gift Zvavanhu, the Churchill coach, said they are looking forward to the event and they hope to improve from last year when they were knocked out in the semi-finals.

“It will be a learning curve for the team as usual but we hope to do well and improve from last year.

“We will have a completely new team but with the progress we have made so far I hope we will get there.

“We were affected by the age as only those born in 1999 are eligible in this year’s competition whereas those born in 1998 will not take part. I think it is good that young players get such a platform to showcase their talent.

“We will also have a chance to build a future team through the competition, which I believe will go on to do well,” Zvavanhu said.

The former Amazulu and Dynamos player, however said Churchill would be under some pressure by virtue of being hosts.

“Playing host is interesting but it also comes with some pressure as you will have to progress to the finals and I hope we will be able to do that.

We will also utilise the home advantage and we will continue to prepare for the event,” said Zvavanhu.

Churchill Teacher in charge of soccer Jason Mhundwa also believes they have a good chance to do well in the tournament.

“We would not want to repeat what we did in Mutare last year so we will work hard for the team and the youngsters are taking the tournament seriously so I believe we will go very far,” Mhundwa said.

But in order to fulfill their dream and clear the provincial hurdle Churchill would have to see off the challenges such teams like Oriel Boys Mabvuku High, Seke 1 High, Marlborough, Ellis Robins, Prince Edward, Mufakose 1 High and Glen Norah 2.

Chemhanza of Hwedza were the 2013 champions.

In the Girls section, Oriel Girls High, Mbare High, Tafara 1, Zengeza 2 High, Vainona High School, Mabelreign Girls High, Budiriro 1, Girls High and Highfield among the teams that will battle it out for honours. – The Herald