Benza Accused Of Bribery To Secure PSL Top 11 Spot for Son
The Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) prestigious Team of the Year has been marred by allegations of corruption, with Innocent Benza, owner of Herentials FC and Herentials Group of Schools, facing accusations of bribery to ensure his son, Tinotendaishe Benza, secures a spot in the coveted PSL Top 11.
Reports suggest that Benza orchestrated a clandestine operation involving bribes to journalists, club captains and coaches in an attempt to manipulate the selection process in favor of his son.
Inside sources, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed that cash incentives were offered to select journalists, Club captains and coaches to sway their votes towards Tinotendaishe Benza.
“This wasn’t about merit; it was about money changing hands. Some journalists and coaches were discreetly approached with offers to influence their selections in favor of Benza’s son,” disclosed a source close to the matter.
Social media queries led the Premier Soccer League to reveal the voters roll, to reveal who voted for Benza’s son.
Meanwhile, controversy also surrounds Tino Benza’s Fans’ Choice Player of the Year Award, as the vote-buying scheme extended to ensure Tino Benza secured the award.
According to students from Herentials who spoke to this publication, Innocent Benza manipulated the voting system by purchasing airtime for students to sway the vote in favor of his son.
“Many of us received airtime with instructions to vote for Tino,” revealed a Herentials student who spoke anonymously.
In line with these efforts, Tino surpassed the competition and was crowned the 2023 Fans’ Choice Player of the Year.
When approached for comment, Benza did not deny the vote-buying allegations, stating, “We conscientiously mobilized all our supporters, of whom students are the majority, to vote for Tino. Simple.”
He further explained, “The Fans’ Choice award requires you to mobilize your supporters to vote, and that’s exactly what we did, leading to his victory.”
However, football fans interviewed by this publication expressed disappointment over the development, with many suggesting that when money is involved, the result won’t be a true reflection of fans’ favorites.
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“It’s evident rigging; it undermines football. I can’t fathom how Tino can genuinely celebrate the award, knowing they paid people to vote for him,” remarked football fan Chamunorwa Murwira.
“Perhaps the award should be discontinued. Kana uchinatsodiwa nevanhu zvinooneka futi neku ground sazvaingoitwa Denver (Mukamba),” added another fan, Muchehiwa.
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