Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TINO Benza broke down yesterday as the Herentals skipper emotionally issued a heartfelt apology to Scottland midfielder Vasilli Kawe, who was the victim of his late tackle at Rufaro Stadium last Thursday.
As the match, which eventually saw Scottland walk away 1-0 winners, intensified, Benza and Kawe, former teammates at Herentals, were engaged in a fierce midfield battle.
In one of their duels, Benza was a bit late in sticking out his right foot and caught Kawe’s right calf, immediately earning a yellow card.
Kawe, who had been introduced as a second half substitute, received treatment but was able to continue and played a key role in his team’s victory.
However, the incident appeared to deeply affect Benza, who struggled to assert himself for the remainder of the match, despite having dominated much of the game prior.
Yesterday, the lanky forward, who has scored once and provided two assists so far this season, revealed that he was even prepared to be voluntarily substituted had Kawe been forced to leave the game due to the injury.
“I am really sorry for that tackle. It was just a rush of blood, a moment I’ve taken time to reflect on, and I now realise I was totally wrong,” said Benza.
“It’s something I deeply regret, because I’m someone who never intends to injure anyone. I’ve reached out to Kawe and issued my apology. Once again, I’m sorry, not only to Kawe and Scottland but to the entire football fraternity.”
Kawe said he knows Benza as a friendly player who is never malicious.
“Tino is a good player who is always working hard to improve. His passion is unmatched, and that could partly explain why he appeared so aggressive in that tackle,” said Kawe.
“I’ve already accepted his apology. He’s a good sportsman. It’s very rare to receive a tough tackle and have the perpetrator go public to say sorry.”
Meanwhile, Benza has challenged his teammates to redeem themselves when they host Triangle at Rufaro this afternoon.
“The defeat against Scottland was very painful. We dominated possession but were not clinical.
“We need to rectify that when we play Triangle at Rufaro,” added Benza.
