An indepth analysis of Ngezi under 19’s shining star

Since the beginning of the 2021/2022 Northern Region Division One League, Takunda Benhura’s impact in the Ngezi Under 19 squad has been immensely remarkable. Providing such a huge threat, it’s been a marvel to see Benhura wreaking havoc in a multitude of ways.

Having already scored 6 goals in a campaign where only 4 matches have been played Kifton Kadurira will undoubtedly be excited about what the future holds for Benhura who has taken the Northern Region Division 1 league by storm.

Having heard about the goalscoring exploits of Benhura, Zim Soccernet’s performance analysis team made a long drive to Mhondoro in order to have a look at one of Zimbabwe’s exciting prospects.

It did not take much time for Ngezi Platinum under 19’s promising forward to find the back of the net with a typical number 9 goal. After being fed by another promising prospect Tendai Matindife, Takunda Benhura opened up well before receiving an incisive pass which he received before using placement to put his side ahead.

  With Zimbabwe clearly lacking forwards that can consistently find the back of the net at premier league level, Benhura is showing signs of having the potential to become a top marksman given the qualities he is showing for Ngezi Platinum under 19 so far.

 Whether finding the back of the net with composed 1v1s with the keeper, finishes from tight angles, neat tap ins, quality headers, powered efforts or using placement, Benhura is proving to be a handful for Northern Region Division One defenders.

Although he scored just one goal in the Ngezi Under 19 versus Chegutu Pirates encounter, Takunda exhibited a plethora of traits that are inherent in the modern-day centre forward.

 Comfortable when receiving the ball with his back to goal, Benhura’s first touch allows him to quickly locate his teammates. Strong on the ball and very well balanced, it’s been impressive to see how well he protects the ball under pressure and can weave away from danger.

While he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, Benhura also competes well in the air with an innate ability to accurately judge the flight of the ball enabling him to get to the end of high balls which he can then cushion towards his teammates that will be lurking for the second ball.

Having had a very positive start Benhura’s confidence is high and is not afraid to pull the trigger when in range thus giving him the opportunity of scoring more goals as the season progresses.

While his finishing has been a fundamental area that has propelled him to the summit of the goal scoring charts, the forward’s off the ball runs have been key to getting him into promising positions.

Benhura is proving to be a wizard at finding space in front of, in behind and between defensive lines to ensure defenders are posed with dilemmas constantly. His ability to read the game and quickly locate and occupy vacant spaces with curved and angled runs often gives him an advantage over his opponents.  

Given the amount of attention he gets from opposing defenders, a key facet of Benhura’s game is his unpredictability. With central defenders often expecting him to remain up top in the centre forward role, Benhura often engages in frequent rotations with his teammates on the left and right hand channels thus leaving central spaces vacant for teammates making runs from deep areas to occupy.

Having delved a lot on his offensive abilities, Benhura is also willing to work hard for the team when off the ball. In transition from attack to defense, Benhura is a key first line of defense, often putting opposing keepers under pressure in a bid to disturb gradual build up plays.

While many may just take notice at his goalscoring exploits, Benhura’s pressing and willingness to work his socks off when the team is out of possession makes him a great asset. With Ngezi Platinum enshrined with a philosophy of wanting to dominate possession Benhura often counter-presses immediately after Ngezi lose possession.

Benhura is intelligent in his defending as he possesses the ability to force opponents towards a specific side thus giving his teammates a signal regarding which side of the field to press.

Though far from a finished article, Benhura appears in the right direction and if he maintains his fine form one would not be surprised to see first team coach Rodwell Dhlakama promoting the promising forward into the first team.

Article written by: Francis Nyamutsamba

Qualifications: PFSA Performance Analysis (Level 1), PFSA Opposition Analysis (Level 1), ZISCA Level 2 coaching certificate, Advanced Sports Management Diploma (IOC), B.A Media Studies (ZOU).

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