Simba Jemwa, Chief Football Writer
In the heat of a competitive Castle Premier Soccer League clash against reigning champions Simba Bhora, 53-Year-Old Honorable Doctor Innocent Benza stood out—not because of his age, but because he still plays with the hunger of a teenager and the poise of a veteran.
Benza, the owner of Herentals College FC, played a full 45 minutes on Saturday in his side’s narrow 3-2 loss. That, in itself, is headline-worthy. But less than 24 hours later, he did what virtually no other professional footballer in the world would dare: he played a full two hours in a social football match at Gwanzura Stadium on Sunday morning.
And yet, this is nothing new for Benza.
In fact, the Herentals No. 9 is currently the second oldest active professional footballer in the world, behind only Japan’s eternal forward Kazuyoshi Miura, who is still playing at the age of 57 for Portuguese side Oliveirense. Miura, known as “King Kazu”, made his professional debut in 1986—before some of his current teammates were born. And remarkably, Innocent Benza is doing something very similar, only in Africa.
Not Just a Number – A Phenomenon
Benza’s presence in the Premiership isn’t a ceremonial indulgence. He competes. He runs. He marks. He instructs. He leads from the front—not just as a player, but as the club’s founder, financier, and visionary.
Herentals FC, born out of the Herentals Group of Colleges, is both a football club and an educational institution, giving young Zimbabwean players a rare opportunity to combine learning and elite sport. And yet, as the young talents progress through the ranks, it’s Benza who sets the tone—still registering and appearing on matchday team sheets, week in, week out.
He’s not here for the cameras. He’s here because he loves football. It’s that simple—and that incredible.
The Company He Keeps
While Kazuyoshi Miura holds the top spot for oldest professional still playing, Benza sits alone as the oldest African professional still active—and second in the global ranks.
Others who stretched the limits of age include:
Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian goalkeeper who retired at 45.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, who bowed out at 41.
Cristiano Ronaldo, still going strong at 40.
Essam El-Hadary, Egypt’s legendary goalkeeper who retired at 47.
Roger Milla, who famously scored at the 1994 World Cup at 42.
But none of them laced up at 53 in a top-tier league and went on to play a community match the next day.
A Living Legacy
Benza’s dual identity as a Member of Parliament and club owner makes his continued presence on the pitch even more fascinating. He commands respect in the corridors of political power, yet he chooses to get dirty on the pitch with players half, and sometimes a third, his age.
In an era of high-performance metrics and age-based contracts, Benza is proving that football still has room for the extraordinary. His performances may not make viral highlight reels, but his story is as inspiring as any goal or trophy lift.
Still Running, Still Dreaming
At 53, Innocent Benza isn’t just stretching the limits of his own body—he’s stretching the definition of what a professional footballer can be.
He is not just playing. He is making history, quietly and consistently.
And as long as Herentals FC line up for a Premier League match, don’t be surprised if that familiar No. 9 is still in midfield—chasing the game, the ball, and perhaps even time itself.
