It seems like a long time ago since he came in the door at Celtic Park but it has just been less than two years since the youngster signed with the club.
Kundai Benyu was brought in by former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers on the basis he would be sent out on loan to get first team football immediately. Upon arriving and taking part in some training sessions, Rodgers was initially impressed with his new young star and had a change of heart. The Irishman decided to keep Kundai at the club instead of loaning him out, giving him some sub appearances and he even started a League Cup game against Kilmarnock early on. However, that would be Kundai’s last interaction with the first team under Brendan Rodgers and now maybe ever.
The January after signing the player was sent out on loan to Oldham Athletic to get some game time but the midfielder only managed four appearances for the lower league English side. After returning to the club, the player managed a few reserve appearances but was getting nowhere near the first team. With many believing the player would move on in January, it never happened and he stayed with the club.
It wasn’t until late February when the news broke about Kundai leaving on a year-long loan to Helsingborgs. The news getting lost in the mix with the bigger story that Rodgers, the man who signed him, had left his post as Celtic manager in dramatic circumstances.
Speaking about his move to Sweden, the midfielder understands there is going to be highs and lows within the game and after the initial upturn by signing for Celtic, the lows that followed are part of football in the player’s eyes.
Speaking about his loan move to the Fotbollskanalen the Celtic loan player said:
“It was time to leave and get more experience with senior football.
“This is a good club, it is good standard in Swedish football. Hopefully I can play many games and return there (to Celtic) to see what the plan is there.
“You know how football is. Things go up and down, just like that. I had a setback and was not so involved, but things are like that in football. You only have to work and work.
“Brendan is a good trainer and I really have no problems with him. We had a good relationship. He called the night before I came to Celtic and told me he liked me, that he liked it and that he wanted to develop me like this, and I said ‘Absolutely, I want to go to Celtic’. As soon as I heard about a move to Celtic I wanted to get there right away.”
This is a young player I have a lot of time for and if Rodgers had paid more attention to detail and supported him, I believe he would be in the first team squad now. His present loan is a healthy one at Helsingborgs and will see him return refreshed and more experienced.
It is my hope that Neil or whoever is the new manager next session sensibly looks at this bhoy as he is very talented and simply needs a little experience of first team football in a good environment. Oldham was not a good place to send him. Our players need proper nourishment, guidance and tuition.
I will welcome him back with open arms. He will prove to be an excellent player with the correct development in my opinion.