Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NOT many expected this.
Herentals, who have the oldest player in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Innocent Benza, who turned 54 a fortnight ago, are the top scorers with 22 goals after 16 rounds.
They are also unbeaten in the last nine games and are among the leading teams on log table with 28 points.
Only goal difference separates them from the log leaders Hardrock going into Match-day 16.
Interestingly, 35-year-old Ralph Kawondera has contributed nine goals for Herentals and was named Player of the Month for May.
His coach Paul Benza was also voted the best for the month.
Kawondera is determined to reach double figures before the conclusion of the first half of the season.
But, today, he comes up against the best defence in the league.
With just six goals conceded in 15 matches, Scottland have the best rearguard in the league at the moment.
“It’s getting exciting and I am looking forward to the match against Scottland.
“My target is to get to at least 10 goals at the halfway stage of the season,” Kawondera told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Herentals host defending champions Scottland at Rufaro this afternoon, in the major highlight of Match Day 16.
“We respect Scottland because they are the defending champions, but we want to win this match,” said Kawondera.
Scottland for whom veteran striker Knowledge Musona is in imperious form have promised their players $5 000 each of they top the log standings at the halfway stage.
It makes this an intriguing fixture.
But it’s not the only fixture to look out for on Match Day 16.
Resurgent Manica Diamonds host Harare giants Dynamos at Sakubva tomorrow, in another high stakes clash.
Dynamos became the first team to beat Ngezi Platinum Stars this season last weekend.
They won 2-1 at Rufaro, but Manica Diamonds are threatening to bring them back to earth in Mutare.
“Dynamos should come prepared because we are not scared of them,” declared Manica Diamonds chairman Tinashe Chipunza.
The Gem Boys have picked up nine points in their last five games and are among the top performing teams during the period.
DeMbare coach Genesis Mangombe, has demanded consistency from his charges.
“We have to maintain our form as we go to Mutare.
“Dynamos are a big team which feels at home anywhere in the country,” said Mangombe.
Elsewhere today Ngezi Platinum Stars hosting last season’s runners up MWOS at Baobab.
Ngezi have to react from last weekend’s loss against Dynamos.
In star midfielder Marvelous Mukumba, Ngezi have a key player who could decide this fixture.
Revived AGAMA host Tonderai Ndiraya’s Chicken Inn at Wadzanai hoping to keep moving away from relegation.
The Mt Darwin side have picked seven points in the last five rounds and are now swimming above the relegation waters.
Troubled TelOne host high-riding Highlanders at Ascot.
The Wi-Fi Boys anchor the log and have one win this season.
Yet Bosso have been one of the top-performing teams in the league.
They have 11 points from their last five games, a record they share with log leaders Hardrock and defending champions Scottland.
Bosso legend and team manager Zenzo Moyo is expecting patience from the fans.
“We are building something and the fans should be patient,” said Moyo, who won the 2000 Soccer Star of the Year award with Bosso.
Log leaders Hardrock host Simba Bhora at Chahwanda tomorrow, while Lloyd Chitembwe’s Triangle United, second from bottom, are at home against former champions FC Platinum at Gibbo.
