How Mutiwekuziva transformed Herentals

HERENTALS were on the verge of demotion in 2019.

Just 90 minutes stood between them and relegation on the final day of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

They were facing Bulawayo Chiefs, who were not entirely safe from the chop, and the Students needed to put their heads on the block at Luveve.

They did just that and a hard-fought 1-0 win secured them another term in the top-flight.

They learnt their lessons, albeit the hard way, and this time around they went on a recruitment spree, divorcing from their earlier stance to stand with the players who helped the team get promotion from the First Division in 2017.

They signed veterans Godfrey Mukambi, John Zhuwawo, Ali Maliselo, goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba and Davison Marowa.

And the team has had a fruitful season, finishing in the top eight as well as going all the way to the final in the Chibuku Super Cup. As well as having the experience in the team, the Students have been able to leverage on determination through their loyal sons, including captain Blessing Majarira, William Kapumha and the vastly improved striker Tino Benza.

The latter has been the team’s heartbeat, winning a record seven man-of-the-match accolades in the league.

The 22-year-old, who has been one of the best players in the league, scored four goals in the Premiership while weighing in with the joint-league’s most assists.

Only one of the Soccer Star of the Year award favourites and Golden Boot winner William Manondo of CAPS United managed as many assists as Benza in the entire league.

So pivotal has been Benza, he is the only player at Herentals to have played 32 games in the PSL.

Mutiwekuziva said Benza’s contribution in the team has been second to none

“I think Tino (Benza) has been the ace in my team. But, I should point out that each and every one of my players has done so well. I brought John Zhuwawo, Ali Maliselo, Prosper Chigumba and others to bring in some experience which was lacking in my team,” said Mutiwekuziva.

“I fused with the determination that I had in the team and here we are. I am grateful the team has managed to do so well in both the league and the Chibuku Super Cup where we have reached the final for the first time in our short history.”

Benza has been pivotal in the Chibuku Super Cup where he is the leading scorer with two goals despite missing the semi-finals.

The lanky winger was the hero in Herentals’ 2-1 first round win over Ngezi while he won the free-kick that downed Manica Diamonds in the quarter-finals.

He was named the man-of-the-match in both games. Herentals play Bulawayo Chiefs in the Chibuku Super Cup final at Barbourfields on Sunday.

And Benza has expressed confidence Herentals will win the Chibuku Super Cup on Sunday.

“I am happy I have improved. I have had a dream season but we are looking forward to winning the Chibuku Super Cup on Sunday,” said Benza.

“I know it’s not going to be easy because Bulawayo Chiefs is a good team. They are a tough opponent but this is a cup final and we need to minimise mistakes.”

Benza will be a hot favourite to make it in the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar.

The selection will be held on Friday.