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Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS chairman Tafadzwa Benza turned down three lucrative actuarial science overseas job offers to pursue his passion for football development.
Now, he wants to be a member of the ZIFA board at the association’s elections in Harare tomorrow.
After scoring high in the BSc Actuarial Science at the Kent University in the UK and following that up by scoring distinctions at Masters level at the University of London, Benza, who is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Management, found himself crowded with offers, first in the UK and then in Canada and the United States of America as well.
But the 29-year-old knew exactly what he wanted as he had convinced his father Innocent to establish the biggest footballing institution that has seven professional clubs including the ambitious side that play in the Premier Soccer League and the dominant Women’s Soccer League team Herentals Queens who have just won the league title for the third-year running.
Benza has been the behind-the-scenes man running the institution which employs more than 700 players and support staff over the past seven years.
Recently the Peter House School luminary got his reward after the biggest daily newspaper in the country-The Herald honoured him with a special recognition in Outstanding Football Development Excellence during the inaugural Herald Community Heroes Awards at the Harare International Conference Centre.
An ecstatic Benza saluted The Herald for recognising his efforts to develop football in the country.
“I am very happy to have been one of the recipients of these prestigious awards from the leading daily newspaper in the country. It gives me some sense of pride and ticks me into doing even greater things in football,” said Benza.
“I decided to lead the Herentals football institution which has a club in the Premier Soccer League, three-time Women’s Soccer League champions, a Division One side, a number of Division Two teams in Harare, Rusape rural, Kadoma, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo on top of a huge national academy.
“What I am particularly happy about the most is the fact that I am getting this recognition after I dropped several job offers including from three overseas companies. “What I always wanted was football administration. I am very happy to see girls from disadvantaged backgrounds making it through football.
“Mass participation and remuneration are key drivers to inclusivity and I am happy to have been recognised for doing what I love most.”
The Herald Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo saluted the winners and encouraged them to continue making a difference in the society.
“By awarding them, we acknowledge their hard work, dedication and often selfless efforts to improve the lives of those around them,” said Ruzvidzo.
“This recognition not only honours their achievements but also inspires others to engage in community service and activism.”
Online Reporter