HERENTALS IN TOP FOUR

Sports Reporter

HERENTALS are letting their football do the talking and find themselves in the TOP FOUR with just nine games remaining in the championship race.

The Students, who are one of the best run clubs in the Castle Lager Premiership, are reaping the rewards of their good recruitment policies where they have mainly targeted players who bring value into their ranks.

They have always resisted the temptation of going for the big names but have stuck to their formula where they only target those who can improve them.

They have been harshly criticised by some for fielding club president Innocent Benza.

But, they have chosen to silence their critics by some positive results on the pitch.

Last year, they were the best performing Harare club, finishing the championship race ahead of the likes of Dynamos and CAPS United.

They are unlikely to keep their crown, as the Kings of Harare, this season with that prize likely to be taken by Scottland.

The Mabvuku side are vying for the championship, in their first season in the domestic Premiership, and are in second place in the championship race.

Scottland are just a point behind leaders Simba Bhora who are battling to defend their crown.

Tonderai Ndiraya’s men are nine points ahead of Herentals.

Coach Paul Benza has tweaked his side this season and the changes have ensured they are a club who are difficult to score against.

The Students have the second best defensive record in the Premiership.

They have conceded 15 goals in 25 matches, the same as leaders Simba Bhora, and only one goal more than what Scottland, who have the best defence so far, have conceded.

They are 11 points clear of Highlanders and 12 points clear of CAPS United.

Herentals are 18 points clear of Dynamos.

This means the Students can even decide to forfeit their next five games and even if DeMbare win their next five matches, the Glamour Boys will still trail Herentals by three points.

The traditional Big Three are all former champions.

They are not the only former champions who find themselves behind the Students in the championship race.

FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn are below Herentals at this point of the season.

At the weekend, the Students continued their fine run with a 1-0 win in the Lowveld.

They edged Greenfuel 1-0 at the Greenfuel Arena.