BENZA RELISHES CHALLENGE AT FAMILY CLUB
NEWLY-APPOINTED Herentals coach, Paul Benza, reckons he is not entering uncharted waters as he has been always in the Students system before his elevation on Wednesday.
Benza was named the new head coach following the departure of long-serving gaffer Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, who is now assistant to Takesure Chiragwi at champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Mutiwekuziva has been the Herentals mentor since their promotion into the PSL in 2018 with Benza, Stephen Mudawapi and Simba Dedza his assistants.
“I would like to thank my brother Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva for the time we spent together. I have learnt a lot from him as we have been together for the past six or so years,” said Benza.
“I am really grateful to the Herentals leadership for giving me this post.
“It comes with a lot of responsibility and I am aware of that.
“I am not a stranger on this terrain though as I have always worked with the first team as Mutiwekuziva’s assistant over the years.
“The only difference is that I am now the head coach. I am ready for the grind.”
Players like Milton Chimedza, goalkeepers Nevermind Antonio and Takudzwa Chikosi, Christian Nyatondo, William Kapumha, Gibson Chinobva, the Majarira brothers Blessing, Archmore and Brighton, Tafdzwa Jim, Avi Mataranyika, Peter Chota, Tino Benza and Webster Dombo were groomed by Benza in the junior ranks.
“Look, most of these players have come through my hands and to have them at senior level is something special.
“I am going to try as hard as I can to bring the best out of them for the good of the team.
“I am obviously going to try and win some silverware and be competitive in the league.
“We have the players and we know they are capable. With the right attitude, we can move mountains.”
Benza and his charges will start the 2024 season with an off day as the PSL have postponed their fixture against Eastern Region Division One Soccer League representatives.