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Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
MANY feel Tino Benza can only unleash the beast in him only if he stops playing for Herentals FC, a club which is owned by his father, Innocent.
And, veteran sportscaster, Charles “CNN” Mabika has joined the bandwagon.
And, he told Zimpapers Sports that the sooner the better.
But, he does not agree with the narrative that the Students are a bad platform for the exciting 22-year-old.
Mabika feels Tino should only leave Herentals for European teams.
Statistically, Tino is having his best season in the Castle Lager Premiership netting six times and accumulating 10 assists with just two games to play for this campaign to end.
He had recorded his best last season where he scored four times to force his name into the league’s best XI.
Tino also propelled the Students to the Chibuku Super Cup finals despite losing to the eventual winners, Bulawayo Chiefs.
He was the Golden Boot winner of the country’s flagship knock-out competition last season and snatched the People’s Choice Best Player accolade to cap off a successful season.
Mabika described Tino as the important detail in the Students’ dressing room.
“I have also heard people saying Tino needs to move away from Herentals if he is entertaining any hopes of playing for the national team.
“I personally feel the same, but if he is to make that decision, it should not be a local club but a European side.
“And, I also feel that, anyone who is in charge of Tino must be busy looking for a Championship or third tier team in England because I’m confident that he is good enough and he can play,” said Mabika.
He further stressed out that this campaign should be his last in PSL.
Mabika also reference his brilliantly struck free kick against Ngezi Platinum Stars which still stands as a goal of the season contender.
“He has good frame, speedy, technique, and importantly he is not selfish. I have seen him providing the chances than scoring in most games that I have seen him in action.
“It will consider him a wasted talent if his handlers fail to get him a club in England, he has what it takes to play there or even in France.
“It will be still okay if they still want him to continue for the next six months, it will also minimise his chances of playing for the Warriors because I believe at this moment he deserves to be part and parcel of the national team,” he said.
Tino says they are hopeful for a top four finish although they are now four points off the slot currently occupied by Highlanders with two matches remaining. “It’s been a good season for, I would also say we are a bit disappointed because last season reached the Chibuku Super Cup finals but this season we have nothing to show.
“We are now targeting a top four finish and I believe it’s within reach we just have to get busy until we get it done.
“Individually, I think I have done better as compared to other seasons statistically, and I would want to credit it to team work,” said Tino.
Online Reporter