CAPS Utd drop Benza plans

Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter

GIANTS CAPS United have put on hold their pursuit for the signature of Herentals pacy winger Tino Benza. 

The Green Machine were interested in bringing the 22-year following a stellar season in which he contributed significantly to the Students’ sixth place finish. 

The club’s president Farai Jere and his counterpart Innocent Benza of Herentals, who is also the owner of Herentals and father of the young forward, have had informal discussions over the possible transfer of the two-time Soccer Star of the Year finalist. 

But the negotiations have stalled for now and Makepekepe are looking elsewhere to beef up their strike-force. “We have been discussing something along those lines with Honourable Benza,” said Jere. 

“It’s an idea that we have been pushing but for now I don’t think it’s still feasible because the father raised the point that there is some possible deal outside the borders that they are looking at. 

“So, unless there’s a development to the contrary, then we cannot be able to continue talking about that possibility. 

“But we felt CAPS United, as a big institution, could provide a platform where he could be noticed easily and an environment that is highly competitive. It augurs well with his talent but we have to put the best interests of the player ahead,” said Jere. 

Benza was expected to team up with the likes of William Manondo, Courage Sithole and veteran Rodwell Chinyengetere next season. 

Chinyengetere was Makepekepe’s top goal scorer last season after bagging 10 goals despite him being a midfielder. Manondo, who won the Golden Boot the previous season, was the second best with nine goals while utility man Joseph Tulani was a distant third with five goals to his name. 

Makepekepe did not have the best of seasons as they spent most of the campaign in the bottom half of the table before settling for eighth place. 

Herentals, on the other hand, were enjoying good fortunes, with Benza a key member of the campaign The 22-year-old forward made it to the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar for the second straight year following a fruitful season with the Students. He scored six goals this season, and provided 10 assists, playing for a modest club like Herentals, and the CAPS United camp believe he could be a worthy addition and an ideal talent for the bigger stage that Makepekepe offers. 

Benza scored the priceless goal as Herentals beat then champions FC Platinum 1-0 in Harare this season and chipped in with crucial goals, and assists, as the Students eyed a top four place. 

Eventually, they finished sixth, which was a two-place improvement from last year, and only four points behind Highlanders and six points behind Dynamos.

The Students finished ahead of both CAPS United and Chicken Inn, two of the clubs who have been champions, in the past eight years. 

But Makepekepe definitely want to turn things around next season and have also been linked with ageless Black Rhinos forward Lot Chiwunga. 

Jere said Makepekepe were yet to sign any player. They are busy identifying targets and the recruitment is being spearheaded by the technical team led by Lloyd Chitembwe. 

“The coaches have been allowed to go out in search of the players that they want in their team next season. If they feel there is an area that needs to be strengthened, it’s their prerogative to sign a player they want, of course funds permitting. 

“At CAPS United, what we look at mostly is the capabilities of a player. We always support our coaches; we are setting aside resources for that while the current players are being taken care of, as well. So, we are happy with the way we are conducting business at CAPS United,” said Jere.