By Zim Sport Live Writer
England-born Zimbabwean midfielder Kundai Benyu, who was one of the brightest prospects in the United Kingdom eight year ago, has spoken highly of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after making his debut for former champions CAPS United last week.
Benyu made the starting line up in the 1 – 1 draw against GreenFuel in Chisumbanje on Saturday last week.
The 27-year-old footballer, who was once coveted by premier league giants Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Westham before choosing Celtic, is set to make his home debut for Makepekepe against flamboyant debutants Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
After the spectacular collapse of his once promising career in Europe, Benyu had to retrace his footsteps to his country of origin during the off-season transfer and joined one of the traditional giants of Zimbabwean football.
Benyu spoke to the media for the first time on Thursday ahead of the big weekend fixture against Scottland.
“I am settling in very well. All the guys have welcomed me since day one and I haven’t really found it hard adjusting because football is football so in that regard it has been ok for me,” he said.
“In terms of the league it was a great eye opener for me . In the first game performance wise it wasn’t our best, it wasn’t my best but like the coach said we are happy to get the point and we are raring to go this weekend.
“On the standard of football, obviously people in Europe may not know much about Zimbabwean or even Africa football the standard is higher than what a lot of people think so that has impressed me
“I am excited. It’s the first home game a big home game so we are looking forward to repaying the faith of the fans by collecting three points at home,” added Benyu.
CAPS United embarked in a huge rebuild during the off-season as they sick to recapture the league title which they last won in 2016.
Other top players who have joined the club include Jeansmith Mutudza, Tanaka Shandirwa, Harmony Nare, Congolese defender Raema Bissila Mabiala, Ghanaian goalkeeper Stephen Odai Kwaku, and former Namibian Under-23 player Rowen Messy Tjihumba among others.
Back in 2017, Benyu’s signing was hailed as a coup for Celtic after former Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers managed to convince the then promising 19-year-old to snub Premier League big boys and sign a four-year contract with the Scottish champions.
Unfortunately the talented midfielder joined Celtic while they were in the midst of their most successful period in recent years.
The move not go according to play and things went on a downward spiral since then.
PSL Fixtures
Friday – Yadah v Chicken Inn (Heart Stadium)
Saturday – TelOne v Triangle United (Ascot Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars v GreenFuel (Baobab Stadium), Bikita Minerals v Mwos (Sakubva Stadium), FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Simba Bhora (Nyamhunga Stadium), Herentals College v Dynamos (Rufaro Stadium).
Sunday – Caps United v Scottland (Rufaro Stadium), Highlanders v Kwekwe United (Barbourfields Stadium).