Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
HERENTALS midfielder Innocent Benza has always faced scathing criticism.
He stands accused of playing the game beyond the “acceptable age threshold.”
Benza turned 54 two months ago and is in his seventh year as a top-flight player having made his Premiership debut in 2018 when Herentals got promoted.
But season after season, he continues to defy both his age and the natural laws of physics.
Benza has set and broken records including being the oldest scorer in the league and the first to share the locker with his son (Tino).
He has still been criticised though.
But he is finally winning critical acclaim in a year he has been prolific with the ball on his feet.
He seems to be getting better rather than being worse with each passing year.
With five assists in a year Herentals are silently keeping up with the leading pack, Benza has over the last two days literally burnt down the internet after an outstanding performance against Kwekwe United at Rufaro on Sunday.
The Students crushed the Midlands side with a dominant 3-1 win, with John Zhuwawo, Kundai Sangare and Prince Mahembe the scorers. But the match revolved around the ageless Benza. For the first time this season, the midfielder got to go along the entire 90 minutes as he mesmerised with his silky skills much to the delight of the spectators and those who watched on TV across the world.
Soon after the game, videos of him making a mockery of his own age, twisting, turning, running with and without the ball with incredible agility and audacious passing skills, flooded the internet.
“Well, I think that was one of my finest games this year,” said Benza.
“It was a good game, one in which Kwekwe United came out guns blazing but found us prepared.
“I really enjoyed the game and then the coach (Paul Benza) decided not to sub me off. I am happy with my performance. I hope to continue like that.
“The only disappointment in that game was losing our star player Tino early in the match due to an injury.”
And internet users were left excited by Benza’s sheer depth and intelligence.
Commenting on Facebook, one user Lawrence Madzamba said “Chopedza I will call Nees so that he can at least just be capped once as a Warriors player.”
Another one Chris Musekiwa added “Amazing skills at their best chibaba ichooo well done Hon MP, Innocent Benza.” Chinzambwa Godfrey described him as “A great player”, saying “Zvakanonokwa but chinopedza, Chidhara.”
Herentals are seated on sixth place on the Premiership table with 38 points, nine behind leaders Simba Bhora.
