Some Under-17 teams that are competing in a curtain raiser tournament for the Mopani Copper Mines COSAFA Under-20 Championships have hailed the organisers for giving up-and-coming players from Kitwe an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The final for the Under-17 competition is expected to take place on Thursday when Scaw Rangers meet Tiger Bullets in Kitwe.

Scaw coach Kelvin Chawala could not hide his excitement after beating Nkana Under-17 on post-match penalties in a semi-final match played on Tuesday afternoon at Nkana training ground.

“We are happy that they organised this tournament which will go a long way in promoting young ones,” Chawala said.

Scaw owed their win in the penalties to the exploits of goalkeeper Ian Kangaso who saved a penalty for Bright Musonda before Patrick Gondwe missed his decisive spot kick for Nkana.

Nkana Under-17 coach Fidelis Chungu, despite the loss, said the tournament has been a success.

“Holding this tournament for the first time has been okay. I wasn’t easy but it has been a good experience for the players. This experience will help them in their careers,” Chungu said.

By Peter Kanjere