TINO BACKS DAD INNO TO PLAY ON
TINO Benza says his father Innocent has a real passion for football and works very hard and he supports his decision to continue playing for, at least, another season in the domestic Premiership.
The 52-year-old Innocent, who is known as “IB9” at Herentals, has been registered to play yet another season for the club he owns.
This will be the fourth season that he will be playing alongside his son Tino in the domestic PSL.
“Dad is often busy, he does not get time to spend with us so playing with him gives me more time (to be with him),” said Tino.
“His passion for football is deep, no matter how busy he is, he spares time for the game so I have more time with him compared to my siblings.
“We also use football to refresh, even if we have upset each other at home, we get to training and the moment we step out of our cars we are all smiles and past our issues.”
Tino added:
“It is the coach’s decision to have me play, based on merit. If I am not playing well, he has no point of having me in there.
“I do not listen to pessimists’ comments because I work hard just like the other players, I am paid to play so I have to give them what they pay me for.
“Obviously, he is my dad and there is bound to be some favours but it is not a situation whereby you put me on the field of play and I am not going to do anything.
“If I am thrown in there, I am going to play and score. Dad does not do that for me, I am writing my own script.
“There was a time when I travelled for about two months, I was the top goal-scorer when I left and when I got back, I was still ahead of everyone… I am not here through favouritism.”
Statistically, Tino had the best season in the domestic Premiership last year when he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists to emerge the People’s Choice Best Player of the Year.
And, when Herentals face either Tenax or Bikita Minerals at the weekend, Tino will be ready to enjoy more moments in the
sun. Following his first Warriors call-up last season, Tino seemed to have attracted the attention of some local and foreign clubs.
“I feel at home, it is not like I am in a situation whereby I cannot move but I voluntarily choose to stay,” he said.
“Last year Amazulu, CAPS United and Dynamos approached us but I declined the move.
“I have no issues with any of the clubs but I wish to play overseas.”