The event will run from tomorrow to May 5, in which fans would have to pay US$1 to watch the matches.
Among the 174 schools that are going to participate, are four touring teams which will add international flavour to the event.
The touring teams, St Martin and Sarel Cillers High School, both from South Africa are going to send their Under-19 teams. Cillers is from KwaZulu Natal province. The other two are from Botswana.
Speaking to Standardsport, festival director, Sebastian Garikai, said they had decided to incorporate two teams from Botswana because the other team from Zambia had failed to make it.
“Initially we had an Under-19 team coming from Botswana, but after the Zambian team took time to confirm their availability, we decided to have two teams coming from Botswana, so we have added Kolabeing, which is going to send their Under-19 team,” Garikai said.
Last year, four touring teams, the Botswana Under-19, Zambia Under-19, Nigeria Under-16 and an Under-16 side from Kenya, called Hodari Boys graced the event.The organisers of the event have also increased the number of girl teams.
“Last year we only had six girls’ teams that took part in the competition, but this time, we have increased the number to 12. The teams will play their games in the format they used last year, which is three matches per team played in two halves of 12 minutes each,” Garikai added.
The girls’ teams include Girls High School Harare, Roosevelt Girls High, George Stark Secondary, Tafara 1 High, Eaglesvale High, Sobhukazi, Lord Malvern, Hatfield Girls, Zengeza High 1, Morgan Girls, Mbare High and Mufakose 1 Schools.
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The tournament will see some interesting opening fixtures as Cranborne takes on Mabvuku, while Marlborough clash with Hippo Valley, as Vainona collide with Chinhoyi. Ellis Robins take on Mutare while Prince Edward, who will be enjoying home advantage, kick off with a date against Hillcrest at the Jubilee Field.
The organising committee has since ordered the school to open yet another field because of overwhelming response The five fields that will play host to the tournament are Jubilee, Avenues, Chapel, Rhodes and the newly erected Hospital field.
