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Youth Interactive Writer
When Tino Benza made his Premiership debut with Herentals as a 17-year-old in 2018, he was so raw doubters began to question his credentials.
For someone who was turning out for a team owned by his father, Innocent who is also a player at this outfit, the Doubting Thomases were quick to raise nepotism claims.
But he did not take too long before settling.
With each passing game, his confidence levels increased so did his performances.
He started grabbing headlines moreso after making history by becoming the first 17-year-old to score in a league match in over two decades.
Benza registered his name on the scoresheet in a game against Chapungu which his team won and from then, he has been growing in leaps and bounds.
Fast forward to 2021. Benza has grown both in the game and physically to become one of the most imposing figures in the local scene.
Despite the fact that no football was played in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic,Benza was busy addressing several areas of his game.In fact, he took advantage of that long lull to rope in individual coaches including Dynamos legends Moses Chunga and Eddie Mashiri to drill him in different areas.
When the Chibuku Super Cup marked the return of local football in May, Benza was one of the stand-out figures in the game.
He has improved so much in all areas of the game including dribbling, shooting, aerial ability and more.
And after scoring three goals in both the Chibuku Super Cup and the league, Benza has since attracted interest from a Portuguese Division 2 side which he will be joining in January.
The club, which is yet to be named will be Benza’s home for the next one year with an option of extension.
“I am delighted as a player to have attracted the interest of a team playing in the Portuguese top-flight.
“It is such an honour and a motivation,” said Benza.
“It is every player’s dream to sign for international clubs and I hope to play my usual game and try to improve my play from how I am playing right now.
“I am going to be a good ambassador, hopefully, market my country through good behaviour and good performances.
“I never thought that one day I would be called to play in Europe. It’s something very humbling and I will seize the opportunity with both hands.”
Online Reporter