HARARE – There is a suspected and potential age cheating scandal that allegedly took place at Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League (ZWSL) side Herentals Queens who were crowned champions in 2023.
The controversy surrounds rising star Natasha Benza, whose age and even surname appear to be in question.
According to information obtained by Nehanda Radio, Benza, currently 17 was previously known as Natasha Mabhungu aged 21 recently in 2023.
It is alleged that when Natasha once turned out for Bulawayo based side Ubuntu Queens, she was 19 years old.
From there, she allegedly tried her luck with the Gweru based side Chapungu Queens aged 20.
Her Facebook page still reads Natasha Mabhungu.
This has raised eyebrows and Natasha is suspected of manipulating her identity, leaving a cloud of age cheating hanging over the ginger haired star.
Nicknamed Gokwe, Natasha’s new identity card shows it was issued last year (2023), further adding fuel to the fire.
Sources claim that in 2023, Natasha participated in local league matches under her former surname and age.
This has cast doubt on the legitimacy of her current identity.
The matter accidentally came to public light recently after photographer Libertino posted a picture of Natasha following Herentals Queens’ season opening victory over Chapungu FC.
Libertino’s caption identified Natasha as Benza aged 17, connecting her to Herentals’ owner Innocent Benza and his son Tino who both play for the Herentals men’s team in the PSL.
Praising Natasha, the photographer innocently posted on Facebook:
“Football runs in the family. Herentals Queens winger Natasha Benza (17) in action on the opening day of the 2024 Zimbabwe Women Soccer League season,” reads Libertino’s caption.
“She’s definitely one to watch. Pacey and full of energy. Natasha is the third active footballer from the Benza family after Innocent and Tinotendaishe who play for Herentals’ men team in the Premier Soccer League.”
However, those familiar with Natasha have disputed the information on the Facebook post, claiming she is neither a Benza nor 17 years old.
Attempts to reach Herentals owner and the Mutasa Central legislator Innocent Benza (Zanu PF) for clarification were fruitless.
The Herentals owner and striker did not respond to Whatsapp messages sent to him by time of publishing the story.
Furthermore, questions regarding the issue were also sent to his handlers to seek clarification for a balanced story, however the attempts were also in vain.
This means no official explanation has been provided regarding Natasha’s alleged change of surname and age.
Natasha’s alleged change of surname and age manipulation is said to have also caught her teammates by surprise with some discussing the matter at their training sessions recently.
The matter is also reportedly being whispered around in the corridors at the highest offices at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and ZWLS.
Reached out for a comment, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee member and ex-Mighty Warriors skipper Rosemary Mugadza referred all questions to the ZWSL chairperson Theresa Maguraushe.
Said Maguraushe: “We have a disciplinary committee who might be able to deal with such issues. But they have not received (the matter) Maybe the channeling of such issues have to be known,” she responded.
If it’s true, the alleged surname and age manipulation could cast a dark shadow on the Women’s league’s credibility, especially at this point in time where FIFA is funding the league.
Herentals who are the champions, are likely set to represent Zimbabwe in the women’s continental competitions.
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