Herentals coach remains grounded

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

PAUL BENZA has remained humble despite the buzz that Herentals have created in the Premiership race.

The Students are silently doing their job having picked 22 points, only eight behind leaders MWOS’ tally in 14 outings.

They are fifth on the log standings going into Matchday 15 of the championship business. In a season full of subplots punctuated by close competition, Herentals have emerged as one of the dark horses due to their unpredictability.

But gaffer Benza, who led the team to a top-five place last year, their best ever finish, is taking it one game at a time.

“Look, there is nothing we can really brag about just as yet. This is work in progress and I can only afford a smile on my lips when I start to see that my team is ticking all the boxes that I expect,” said Benza.

“I am not yet satisfied with how we are applying ourselves in these games. But I can certainly see a lot of positives from the way my players are doing everything.

“One thing that I am loving most about this team is the depth. We are not a one-man club, we are a team. We are playing as a team, complementing each other very well in all aspects of the game.

“Look, we have Innocent Benza who turned 54 years last month in the team. His leadership qualities when on the field are also helping us a lot. He is an inspiration to all the youngsters in the team.

“That is why you see us rarely conceding when he is on the field. He is a leader and those are some of the outstanding traits we have as a team.” Benza hailed his players for working as a collective unit saying “We don’t look up to one player to get the goals for us or to throw their body on the line to defend a dangerous situation. “We have had almost every player getting to score goals. You look at Tino (Benza), Webster (Dombo), John (Zhuwawo), Prince (Chama), just everyone.

“This is the depth that I am talking about. Whoever is thrown into the fray can do the job for the team.”

Herentals face one of their biggest rivals Yadah Stars at The Heart Stadium tomorrow.

“It’s always a tough game playing against Yadah. “They are our biggest opponents so to say judging by the intensity with which we play against each other.

“It will be a big game and we are expecting fireworks in this encounter.

“We are approaching it just like any other game and my players have that same message to play for each other and enjoy the game.”