Tough day for Benza family

Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . (0) 2 Herentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 0 NGEZI PLATINUM STARS won yesterday but the story of this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opener was all about the Benza family.

Herentals owner Innocent Benza made his Premiership debut at age 45, before he was substituted late in the second half for his son, Tinotenda.

The 45-year-old Benza became the oldest debutant in the history of the top flight league but his day ended in defeat as goals from Walter Mukanga and Keith Murera won the tie for the home side.

Mukanga put Madamburo ahead in the 67th minute after capitalising on Blessing Majarira’s defensive error.

Murera sealed the win three minutes from time after connecting with Michael Charamba’s corner.

Ngezi Platinum Stars could have scored more but Tichaona Mabvura and Mukanga missed glorious chances in the first half.

Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva defended his decision to field Benza, who many believe only makes the starting XI because he the club owner.

“He is playing on merit and works very hard. You saw the touches he was making in the game, he makes a difference,” claimed Mutiwekuziva.

“Our performance was quite good, the boys gave a good fight but could not resist the pressure that was piled on them by the home side. At the other end we created chances in the first half and could have come out of the game with something in hand had we utilised them.”

Herentals put up a brave fight which belied their newcomer’s tag.

Attacking midfielder Juan Mutudza twice came face-to-face with Ngezi ‘keeper Donovan Bernard but failed to convert.

Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Tonderayi Ndiraya welcomed the maximum points but expressed reservations over his team’s overall performance.

“I am happy with the result but not with the performance,” he said. “But this the start of the season, we would expect our players to be a bit slow. I think Herentals played well, for a team that has been promoted into the Premiership they gave us a good run of our money.”

Teams

Ngezi Platinum Stars: B Dononovan, K Murera, L Chakoroma, G Murwira, M Charamba, T Chipunza, W Mukanga, T Mchisa (K Bulaji, 54’), D Teguru (J Ngulube, 54’), C Augusto, T Mabvura

Herentals: P Tafiremutsa, B Maunganidze, C Mavhurume, P Chota, B Majarira, W Kapumha, E Mhungu, I Benza (T Benza, 78’), T Mazhindu (H Chikosa, 26’), B Majarira, J Mutudza (R Huchiro, 52’)