This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Kenya's Mpesa Academy Foundation in Thika will be the venue for the second edition of the U16 Copa Coca-Cola Cup of Nations tournament from December 2 to 5.
Twelve nations from diverse Confederation of African Football (CAF) zones, including Cecafa, Wafu, Cosafa, and Cosafa, will feature at the annual youth fiesta.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will open the three-day event, which organizers welcome as a marvelous platform to churn out new talent.
Unlike last year's inaugural edition, which featured both boys' and girls' categories, the second edition will feature only the boys' category.
Kenya, who emerged as winners in the inaugural edition held in Nakuru last year, will be in Pool 'A' and will launch their title defense against Zimbabwe before facing Mozambique in the final preliminary match.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Under-16 champions Serani Boys will carry a sense of duty for the hosts at the championship.
Speaking on Tuesday during the release of the draws, Coca-Cola Head of Marketing Reinaldo Padua said the tourney will play a key role in laying the foundation for future football stars.
"The first edition was successful, and this is why we have given Kenya the hosting rights again. This is a good platform to churn out talent for our youth, and we have seen the fruits as some of the stars who participated in Nakuru last year performed very well during this year's Under-19 games in Arusha," he said.
Other countries to feature in this year's edition are Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Angola, and Botswana.
