BENHURA OUT TO DEFY SECOND SEASON SYNDROME
TAKUNDA Benhura has already started putting extra work on top of the regular team pre-season workouts as he prepares to better his performance this season.
The Ngezi Platinum Stars forward, who won the Golden Boot after netting 13 goals last season, had his full campaign in the league last term after the previous year was ruined by an injury.
Often players, even at an international stage, suffer from what is referred to as the second season syndrome.
This is where their performance bar goes down from the standard they would have set in their first season.
The 22-year-old is working hard to ensure he even surpasses what he did last year.
“The second season syndrome affects everyone in one way or the other. I am aware of it as I have seen a lot of players falling victim to this phenomenon every year even well before I became a professional footballer,” said Benhura.
“I won’t let that get into my mind. That is the best a player can do. I am also putting extra hours in my work routine.
“I am hopeful of another good season where I will lead my club to achieving their goals. I am also hoping to score more goals than what I netted last season.
“Last year, the competition in the league was very stiff. We had to stretch ourselves and I am happy it worked.”
Benhura, who was rumoured to be on the radar of South African outfit Sekhukhune,
said he is relishing playing in the CAF Champions League.
“Maybe, it is still very early to be speaking of the CAF Champions League because it is only coming in August but playing there is certainly a dream come true for me,” he said.
“Growing up in Mhondoro, all I dreamt of was playing at the highest level and in the Champions League. This is becoming a reality and I am very happy.
“But first things first, we will be playing in the league where our priority will be to compete as much as we did last year.
“There is also the Chibuku Super Cup that we will have to participate in.”