Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AT 54, Innocent Benza still leads from the front, both as a striker for Herentals FC in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and as president of the ever-expanding Herentals Group of Colleges.
But while his on-field longevity is a marvel, it’s his off-field vision that could leave an even bigger legacy.
Benza is Africa’s oldest active top-flight footballer, having made his debut in 2018 at the age of 46.
Since then, he has featured in every Herentals match across all competitions, stretching back to the team’s first division days in 2016.
His consistency has become the stuff of legend.
But more than just rewriting the record books, Benza is reshaping Zimbabwe’s school sports landscape through Herentals.
Off the pitch, he’s driving a bold vision, turning the Herentals Group of Colleges and Schools into one of the country’s biggest sporting institutions.
From grassroots football to elite basketball and netball development, Benza is laying a platform that blends education with opportunity.
“We’ve made a lot of progress under my watch,” he said.
“Herentals Group of Colleges have dedicated staff who support both our academic and sporting vision. As a learning institution, we’ve realised sport plays a huge role in shaping young people. It’s a career path. Sport is a profession and it changes lives.”
He added, “It also instils discipline. And when these kids grow older, they’ll carry that with them wherever they go. We’re taking sport seriously, just like we do with academics. We’re making strong inroads, and the future looks bright.” The results are showing. Some of last year’s Under 20 football finalists from the Herentals gala have since joined the institution’s Division 2 teams, proving how fast talent can rise within the system.
And this year, the Herentals sports gala has expanded significantly. For the first time, zonal competitions will take place ahead of the national finals, with primary school qualifiers kicking off today and secondary school matches following tomorrow. The national tournament is scheduled for August 8.
“I believe the college staff have done a tremendous job decentralising the tournament,” said Benza. “The primary galas will be held this Thursday (today) across the country, with the secondary school competitions on Friday. The winners will be able to select additional players from their zones when they assemble teams for the national finals.”
More than 11 300 learners from 85 Herentals centres will compete in football, basketball, and netball, making this the largest edition yet.
Last year, Ruwa beat Mabvuku in the Under 20 boys’ football final and several players from that squad are now playing in competitive leagues. For Benza, this is just the beginning of what Herentals can do. Through such deliberate investment, Herentals has positioned itself not just as an academic powerhouse, but also as one of Zimbabwe’s most ambitious sporting institutions, one game, one child, one opportunity at a time.
Herentals Group of Colleges and Schools 2025 Zonal Gala Schedule
Secondary Level
Bulawayo Region: Luveve, Nkulumane (host), Gwanda
Bulawayo Region: Lobengula (host), George Silundika, Vic Falls
Masvingo Region: Masvingo (host), Chiredzi, Beitbridge
Gweru Region 1: Zvishavane, Gweru (host), Gweru CBD
Gweru Region 2: Kadoma CBD, Kwekwe (host), Mbizo
Chinhoyi Region: Westview, Chinhoyi (host), Karoi
Harare South: Ushewekunze (host), Chivhu, Southlea Park
Mash East Region: Marondera, Murewa (host), Mutoko
Manicaland Region: Mutare (host), Rusape, Chipinge
Mash Central: Bindura (host), Glendale, Mt Darwin
Chitungwiza Region: Chitungwiza (host), Zengeza, Hatfield
Harare Central: Kuwadzana, Mbare, Harare CBD
Harare West: Westhood, Machipisa, Budiriro (host), Glen View
Harare East: Mabvuku (host), Hatcliffe, Ruwa
Primary Level
Bulawayo Region: Luveve, Cowdray Park, Nkulumane (host), Gwanda
Masvingo Region: Masvingo (host), Chiredzi, Beitbridge
Gweru Region: Zvishavane, Gweru (host), Kwekwe
Chinhoyi Region: Kadoma, Chinhoyi (host), Karoi
Harare South: Ushewekunze (host), Chivhu, Southlea Park
Mash East Region: Marondera, Murewa (host), Mutoko
Manicaland Region: Mutare (host), Rusape, Chipinge
Mash Central: Bindura (host), Glendale, Mt Darwin
Chitungwiza Region: Chitungwiza (host), Zengeza, Hatfield
Harare North: Kuwadzana, Mbare, Tynwald, Melbourne (host)
Harare West: Westhood, Machipisa, Budiriro (host), Glen View
Harare East: Mabvuku (host), Hatcliffe, Ruwa, Greendale
