Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS captain Tino Benza has a realistic target after scoring his second goal of the season on Saturday.
That goal helped the Students beat Dynamos 2-0 at Rufaro.
Initially, the 24-year-old forward revealed he had set himself to hit a 20-goal mark at the beginning of this term.
But a lengthy injury-induced absence meant he has seen limited minutes 19 games into the marathon.
The striker though is showing positive signs since his return and was in blistering form when he masterminded the win that took his team to sixth on the table, with 28 points, 12 behind leaders MWOS.
While he admits that hitting at least 20 goals in the remaining 15 games could be a far-fetched wish, Benza does see himself getting double figures.
Speaking after being deservedly named man-of-the-match against the Glamour Boys, Benza said: “As Herentals, we are very happy to win a match, having gone for the past five matches without a victory.
“We have been trying so hard to win matches but somehow, we have always come short. But against Dynamos, our game-plan worked really well and we hope to continue in that trajectory.
“I am happy to be back firing again. I suffered from an injury that side-lined me for quite a number of games and I struggled a bit when I returned. So getting to score my second goal of the season sort of releases some pressure which have been piling and setting me back.
“I had set myself a target of 20-plus goals this season. Well, I know it will be very difficult to hit that target at this juncture given how competitive the league is. But I still believe I can get double figures.”
Benza, who has predominantly been used as a winger this season said Herentals’ strikers should up their game to complement their defence for the club to attain their targets.
The Students have scored the least number of goals (14) amongst clubs in the top six so far but their defence is second only to Scottland after conceding just 10 goals in 19 games.
“We are a club with our own ambitions and targets to meet this season and that demands a proactive role from our attack,” he said.
“Last season we finished in fifth place and we are obviously gunning for something better than that this term.
“We have been very solid at the back this term but we are not doing as much upfront. I think we should up our game in this regard.
“Our conversion rate has to improve going forward while we should also remain intact at the back. At the end of the day, we need to attain our set targets as a team.
“We need to try and score in every game that we play from now. I know it’s difficult but we need to try. We are working very hard as a team and I am confident, we will be able to be consistent.”
