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Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
TAKUNDA BENHURA always has his mother Mary Nehanda in mind whenever he takes to the field.
The Ngezi Platinum Stars striker made his Warriors debut in the Cosafa tournament in Port Elizabeth, South Africa when Zimbabwe beat Comoros 1-0 in their opening Group B tie.
He then scored in the second group match with a bullet header as the Warriors consolidated their place at the top of the pool with a commanding 2-0 win over Zambia.
The Warriors would capitulate in their last game, losing 2-0 to Kenya to bow out of the regional tournament, but Benhura and a handful of other debutants had made their mark.
Back in Kadoma, Bhura’s biggest cheerleader, his mother Mary, was marvelling at every move, with or without the ball as she followed action on television.
She is the 2023 Golden Boot winner’s ultimate heroin.
Nehanda hardly misses any games involving her son as she leaves her hustle in Kadoma to attend Ngezi Platinum games home and away.
And on Wednesday, she travelled all the way to Harare to meet her eldest son when the Warriors returned home.
“I had to make sure that I welcomed him back at the Robert Mugabe International Airport when he came back from national duty,” exclaimed Nehanda.
“I am a proud mom right now. I never thought one day my son would be called to represent Zimbabwe. I am very happy.
“Takunda (Benhura) is my eldest son and he is setting the right example for his siblings. If I recall how I raised him to be the player he is, I have every reason to smile.
“He just developed this football passion back in rural Mhondoro when he was staying with my mother. He then got ill and we almost lost him. When I decided to take him to Kadoma, I used to beat him because I didn’t want him to play football.
“I wanted him to concentrate on school because I thought that was the right route for him to take. But others advised me to let him pursue his passion and I thank them for that.”
Benhura said his mother is the reason why he wants to work harder every day.
“Whenever I put on my playing boots, she (Nehanda) comes to my mind. I want to make her proud because she went through a lot for me to be where I am right now,” said Benhura.
“I am really inspired to see her travelling for our matches either at home or away. Each time she is there, I am really motivated and I knew she would come to welcome me back tonight (on Wednesday). I am proud of her and I really appreciate her love.”
The 2023 Soccer Star of the Year finalist said he will be eager to perform well in the CAF Champions League coming next month.
Ngezi Platinum Stars will represent the country in the elite club competition after winning the local championship last year.
“While we are fighting to defend the title, we are also eager to make an impact in the CAF Champions League,” said Benhura.
“I am ready for that competition which I will play for the first time in my career.”
Online Reporter