HERENTALS FC coach Paul Benza has launched a staunch defence of club owner and veteran forward Innocent Benza following the 54-year-old’s 200th appearance in the domestic top flight on Tuesday.
The milestone came at Rufaro Stadium during a 1-0 defeat to former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
In a twist of fate, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva manned the Ngezi dugout. He was the coach who handed Innocent his Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League debut on March 17, 2018. At the time, Innocent was 46, making him the oldest debutant in the history of the local league.
Since that debut, the Mutasa Central Member of Parliament has rewritten several records, becoming the league’s oldest goalscorer and assist provider. He also remains the only father in the domestic top flight to share the pitch with his son, Tino Benza.
Despite his longevity, Innocent’s place in the starting lineup continues to draw criticism from rival fans and players. Addressing the ridicule directed at the veteran striker, the Herentals coach insisted that results justify the decision.
"I am really happy for him, he is also key in our fighting in the league, even though many players and teams say that Herentals are always playing with one man short," he said.
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The coach noted that the Students often outperform clubs that question their selection policy.
"But we always finish the season in a more respectable position than those teams that are playing with 11 players, so to speak. And some teams have been relegated, and they are even fighting, and the going is getting tough in the Division 1, having been relegated in the premiership."
For the Herentals gaffer, maintaining their top-flight status remains the primary objective — a task he believes is made easier by the presence of the experienced Innocent.
"For me, he is a very key player, and I believe that if we continue to have him this season, we will rise and finish in a respectable position, while those teams playing with 11 players could end up getting relegated” Benza said.
Herentals currently sit 11th in the 18-team standings with seven points from six matches.
Attention now shifts to a demanding away fixture as Herentals FC travel to Chisumbanje on Sunday to face Manica Diamonds. The Students will be looking to improve on their record of two wins, one draw and three defeats.