daniel chigunwe
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER handing Herentals their best finish in the Premier League in his debut season as coach, Paul Benza has described the just-ended campaign as a learning curve and is eager to do better next season.
The Students finished fifth on the final log standings with 49 points, the best they have achieved since their debut appearance in the top-flight league in 2018.
They were the best performing club from Harare.
“It was more of a learning curve, especially taking charge of the team for the first time as head coach in the Premier League.
“And again, especially considering that I took the team in the last week before the season started, it was more of a learning curve and I am happy that we managed to finish in the top ten, more so in the top five.
“I am happy with the boys’ performance and, going into next year, I’m going to work very hard to, at least, improve our position,” he said.
Herentals finished above Dynamos (8), CAPS United (9) and Yadah (12).
They also finished above Highlanders.
“It’s also very important for us, especially considering that in Harare we have big guns like Dynamos and CAPS United, comparing us to those teams and also finishing either on top of them or just at par with them is a good thing for us.
“It also shows that our boys are doing very well, though we could have finished in the top four as we really wanted, being better than the other teams in Harare, it’s a positive for us,” said Paul.
Herentals team owner and player, Innocent Benza, believes the coming in of Paul has been a game-changer for them.
“It has been a great season for us.
“We wanted to go for continuity hence we brought in Paul and I am glad he has done well in his first season.
“With this record finish, I am optimistic that we will do better next season and we are fully behind him in his endeavours to take the club to another level,” said Innocent.
Online Reporter