Herentals FC club owner Innocent Benza reiterated his commitment to football development and support for the girl child, availing US$ 10 000 to Herentals Queens last week for their participation in the Caf Champions League Cosafa qualifiers.
In their first adventure in the African Safari, Herentals defied odds by reaching the semi-final of the Caf Champions League claiming scalps of pre-tournament favorites Green Buffaloes of Zambia.
Excited by their outing in the tournament Innocent Benza availed US$ 10 000 to the Herentals Queens for their participation at the Caf Champions League Cosafa qualifiers.
It was a short in the arm for the ladies, with team captain Loveness Mukura describing the gesture a welcome development praising Innocent Benza for his commitment for the girl child in football development.
"It is a very kind and important gesture that we have received from Honourable Benza.
“To us Herentals Queens it means a lot and we are really grateful to him because if you are to look at it very few people in Zimbabwe have an appreciation for women’s football,” said Mukura.
She added that Innocent Benza is committed to ensuring that the girl child has an equal opportunity with that of the boy child.
“Honourable Benza is one man who is committed to have the girl child get equal opportunities with that of the boy child.
“He has never shown discrimination, as we are treated equally in terms of welfare with the Herentals men’s team which plays in the PSL.
“We are well taken care of and we do not dream of having a side job hence our commitment to football.
“He (Innocent Benza) is committed to the development of football for both girls and boys,” said the Herentals Queens skipper.
Mukura said as part of giving back the support they have received from Innocent Benza; Herentals Queens are ready to defend the Women’s Soccer League title.
“We cannot thank Herentals management and Honorable enough and what we can only do is to promise to defend the title and continue flying the club’s flag high on the continent.
"We want to set the pace both locally and in Africa,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Honourable Innocent Benza during the presentation ceremony, Paulina Benza said the club was committed to see the team succeed both on the local and international front.
“On behalf of Professor Innocent Benza, I would like to congratulate you for putting not only Herentals College but the country on the Caf Women’s Champions League map.
“Your performance made all of us proud as you punched well above your weight to finish third position in the Caf Champions League Cosafa qualifiers hence why we are gathered here to celebrate what you have done.
“We will continue to support you,” said Benza.