Herentals FC owner and striker Innocent Benza celebrates 53rd birthday

HARARE – A man of many hats Professor Innocent Benza who is the Herentals FC owner, striker and a parliamentarian celebrated his 53rd birthday on Sunday.

Herentals celebrated Benza’s birthday with a warm social media post.

This was a day after their comfortable 2-0 victory over visitors Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium.

“Record extending 53 (years) and still in the game! 53 not out, Happy birthday Chihwa, Professor Innocent Benza,” the club posted on Facebook.

They also posted a video of the club’s women’s side the Herentals Queens, signing him a song and presenting a portrait to the Mutasa Central legislator.

Nicknamed ‘IB9’ or ‘Chidhara’, Benza is currently the oldest player in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).

At 53, he remains the oldest active player in the PSL since its inception in 1992.

In 2022, Benza became the oldest PSL player to feature in a cup final when his side lost 1-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs in the Chibuku Super Cup played on 2 December at Barbourfields Stadium.

Despite facing occasional criticism, for being the oldest player in the PSL, IB9 remains undeterred.

In the same year (2022), he revealed he has no intention to retire from professional football “anytime soon”.

“I have no plans to retire from football anytime soon, Herentals FC is driven by a vision that is centred on IB9.

“I’m not deterred. I won’t stop (playing professional football) because of any negativity,” he said during the club’s awards for the 2021/22 season.

“We are trying to build a base, we have a Division Two team in Harare, so we want the same for Bulawayo and Mutare. In 2023 we are definitely going to have an additional two more professional teams in the leagues.”

Benza is likely set to be available again when Herentals square off against Simba Bhora in their next assignment.

The league encounter is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva.