TINO EARNS HIS STRIPES IN BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

HAS Tinotenda Benza done enough to make it onto the Castle Lager Soccer Stars of the Year calendar?

It’s difficult to argue otherwise given that he has provided four goals, and 11 assists, in helping Herentals to their finest season in the topflight league.

Seven times, during the season, he has been voted the man-of-the match.

He was also the leading goal-scorer in the Chibuku Super Cup where he was man-of-thematch in the two matches he played.

He missed the semi-final win over FC Platinum, through suspension.

Yesterday, he told H-Metro this has been his best season and wants to wrap it up by winning the Chibuku Super Cup final.

The Students will face Bulawayo Chiefs in the competition’s final at Barbourfields on Sunday.

Herentals had to dig deep to eliminate FC Platinum at Mandava to reach the country’s flagship knockout tournament final.

Benza, who is the son of club owner Innocent, has the chance to cap off a wonderful season in grand style should they get the better of the battling Ninjas.

Already, the 21-year-old is queuing up for the player of the tournament prize.

“It’s been a good season for the club and reaching the Chibuku Super Cup final really means a lot to us.

“I think we are moving in the right direction and winning this Cup will be a huge milestone for the team.

“I’m very keen to take home the Golden Boot and scoring in the final is what I’m praying for,” said Tino.

He added:

“We are all aware of the task at hand, we are going to throw everything we have to win it for our fans.

“They brought us back when we were down and out at Mandava.

“Everyone is showing great determination and the energy which everyone is putting in at training has inspired hope.”

He has been the club’s driving force this season.

The Students finished eighth on the log standings just seven points shy of the top four spot.

Harare City were the last team from the capital to appear in the competition’s final in 2018 when they lost to Triangle at Gibbo.

Herentals are now just 90 minutes away from achieving one of their biggest dreams.

The Students lost 1-2 in their last visit to Bulawayo against the Ninjas.