Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
ONE of the most enduring figures in local football, Herentals president and striker Innocent Benza, feels the Northern Region Soccer League deserves plaudits for the way it has bundled together excitement and suspense to spectators.
The curtain came down on the country’s most competitive first division league’s season over the weekend with Scottland securing promotion after a dramatic 3-1 win over Black Mambas at Rufaro last Friday.
A huge crowd gathered to witness the coronation of a team that was formed just nine months ago by Harare businessman and Mabvuku legislator Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya.
Socialites and businessmen alike graced the ceremonial home of football, and so did Benza, a fellow legislator to witness Scottland’s finest hour.
And Benza, who at 54 is the oldest player in the Premiership across the African continent not only congratulated the champions but took time to hail the NRSL for their general organisation and competitiveness.
“This is the most competitive league in the second-tier leagues across and I would like to congratulate Scottland for clinching the title.
“If you look at the twists and turns not only this season but in recent years, you will see that this is the most competitive league across,” said Benza.
“It was a reverting contest with plots and sub-plots and that is what competition is all about. This league is organised in a lot of ways.
“I would like to welcome Scottland to the big boys’ club and wish them all the best in the Premiership.”
The NRSL have churned out competitive teams with two of them winning the league title in the past two seasons.
Ngezi Platinum Stars won the championship last year and they have relinquished it to Simba Bhora who have been crowned in only their second season since promotion from the NRSL in 2022.
Benza’s Herentals, who also came via the NRSL are fighting for a top-four finish in the top-flight this season.
Only Mushowani Stars and Chegutu Pirates were relegated in their Premiership bows but their reason has been financial rather than technical.
Mushowani, despite folding back in 2019 have most of their players spread across the Premiership teams with Simba Bhora having Webster Tafa in their ranks while others like Evans Katema and Jeffrey Takunda (Manica Diamonds), Clemence Gobvu (Herentals), Eriya Mafirenyika (Telone) and Clive Dzingai (ZPC Kariba) are doing well for their teams.
Meanwhile, businessman Wicknell Chivayo has since delivered the 20 Toyota Aqua vehicles which he pledged he would give the team for a win in their match-day 36 tie against Herentals U20.
Scottland managed to win that game 2-0 at Rufaro.
He also promised to give the team US$1 million if they get promoted into the league and yesterday the flamboyant socialite said he would honour that.
“I will gladly go ahead and honour the USD$1 Million pledge I made to the club as a token in recognition of their relentless dedication and commitment that saw them rise to the top of the Northern Region Soccer League table,” he said.
He also pledged another US$600 000 for the team.
“Scottland’s exceptional performance has been beyond my expectations, and for that, I am pleased to further commit an additional pledge of USD$600 000 to assist in their Premiership journey.”
