The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
SOME analysts strongly feel that Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa deserves the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year award.
Norman Mapeza might have guided FC Platinum to the club’s record-equalling fourth straight championship title, but there are those who think Mutiwekuziwa deserves some credit for the way he turned an average Herentals side into a competitive outfit.
Herentals have had a remarkable turnaround this season, particularly for a team that had to survive relegation on the final day of the 2019 campaign through an away win over already demoted Mushowani at Trojan Mine.
Former CAPS United and Warriors defender David Sengu, who is now a pundit with Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) and Star FM, believes the Harare side are the “surprise package of the season”.
“They deserve to be the team of the season,” Sengu told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“If you look at Herentals, they survived relegation in the last stages of the league in the last two seasons, but this season they have surprised many.
“Their team looks balanced, with a good mix of experience and youth.
“They have posted some big results, including beating champions FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars.
“They also drew against CAPS United, Highlanders and Dynamos, the traditional giants.
“So, I think Mutiwekuziwa deserves to be Coach of the Year.”
Herentals also seem to have punched above their weight by qualifying for the Chibuku Super Cup final.
Yet, the oldest player in the league — 50-year-old forward Innocent Benza — is part of the team.
They beat FC Platinum 1-0 at the National Sports Stadium and held Dynamos to a goalless draw at the same venue.
Both their matches against Chicken Inn ended goalless.
They snatched a point each against Highlanders and CAPS United, and also walloped Ngezi Platinum Stars 3-0 in Harare.
These are some of the statistics that should worry Dynamos as they clash against the Students at the National Sports Stadium today.
Herentals could actually dent DeMbare’s aspirations to claim second position.
After surrendering the championship battle to FC Platinum, Dynamos and Chicken Inn have been left fighting for the runners-up spot.
DeMbare lost 1-0 against Bulawayo City at Barbourfields a fortnight ago and, in the process, handed over the league title to Mapeza’s men.
DeMbare then drew 0-0 against rivals Highlanders at the National Sports Stadium last weekend and slid into third position, behind Chicken Inn.
That latest episode of the “Battle of Zimbabwe” between DeMbare and Bosso was watched by less than 2 000 fans.
Tricky Herentals are up next for Dynamos, who are out to salvage some pride.
Herentals could capitalise on the fact that Dynamos matches are no longer intimidating, as the Harare giants have been attracting paltry crowds.
But Mutiwekuziwa wants to face Dynamos in a packed stadium.
“It’s important for the game.
“We look forward to good football for the fans so that they get entertained,’’ he said.
“One important thing is that we are facing one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Zimbabwe.
“This, on its own, gives our team enough motivation.
“Players are very easy to motivate when we play a team like Dynamos.
“So, it’s a positive for us. We hope the players will bring their best.”
Herentals finished 11th in 2019 and were among the relegation-threatened sides.
However, the Students learnt some lessons from that campaign and came back stronger in the 2021/2022 season.
They are now in with a chance for a top-six position.
The club’s top scorer, John Zhuwawo, as well as Wilmore Chimbetu, Prince Chama and Godfrey Mukambi, have been consistent performers for Herentals.
Zhuwawo is, however, ruled out of today’s clash against DeMbare because of injury.
Long-serving striker Brighton Majarira is also on the treatment table.
