New Herentals coach Benza relishes challenge

NEWLY appointed Herentals coach Paul Benza reckons he is not entering uncharted waters as he has been always in the Student’s 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 reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Mutiwekuziva has been the Herental’s mentor since their promotion into the Premier Soccer League in 2018 with Benza, Stephen Mudawapi, and Simba Dedza as his assistants.

Former CAPS United goalkeeper has been, and remains the team’s goalkeepers’ coach.

Benza, who also doubled as the club development side, Herentals U20, which competes in the Northern Region Soccer Division One League head coach is relishing his new role.

“I have been in the system for just long enough. I would like to thank my brother Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva for the time we spent together. I have learned a lot from him as we have been together for the past six or so years,” said Benza.

“I am 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 to 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.”

Benza will be counting not only on his knowledge of the battlefield and his troops, but the players also know exactly what the gaffer wants given that he has worked with most of them from an early age.

Besides leading the Herentals U20 and being Mutiwekuziva’s second-in-command at the senior level, Benza is credited for nurturing young players who have become popular figures for the past 13 years.

Some of those 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 from the junior ranks.

“I am especially happy that I will be working with the same players I have always worked with.

“Look, most of these players have come through my hands and to have them at a 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.”

Benza said Herentals have the potential and will target to win silverware in the 2024 season.

“It’s very early to talk about it but then we play football to win,” he said.

“I am 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.

There have been some delays in determining the winners from that league as Bikita Minerals and Tenax have been fighting in the boardroom for the right to play in the top-flight.

The season kicks off tomorrow and the Students could only start theirs next week.