Celtic’s 9-in-a-Row’s Bit Part Bhoys: Kundai Benyu

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 5/26/22

With the close season approaching and the Premiership title safely back at Paradise, we can reflect on how impressive Ange’s debut season has been. The Australian came in and took Celtic from 25 points behind to winning a double (whilst rebuilding an impressive team).

With Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leaving this summer, just Callum McGregor and James Forrest remain as players that were a big part of the 9IAR run which saw Celtic match their own record from 1974.

This series will look at players that were easily forgotten during the 9IAR run. The 2017/18 entry is Kundai Benyu. Remember him?

Benyu was signed in 2017 by Brendan Rodgers despite his appearances coming in the National League. The move for the English born Zimbabwean was a bizarre one.

Benyu was brought into the club with the promise of being one to watch for the future but potentially being in and around the first team. His debut came against Linfield in the Champions League qualifier, which Celtic won 4-0.

Benyu didn’t have much of the ball but looked raw when he did take possession. This was amplified in his first start as Brendan Rodgers named a youthful side to play Lee McCulloch’s Killie at Rugby Park.

Celtic won 2-0 but Benyu appeared to be out of his depth. Often being crowded out despite making some nice contributions with the ball. To come in and force his way into a side that already had Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor, Scott Brown, Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton and the recently signed Olivier Ntcham was always going to prove to be a bridge too far.

Benyu was loaned out to Aldershot and Oldham in an attempt to get game time and also had some time over in Sweden working with Henrik Larsson. He was subsequently released by Celtic.

Benyu was a bit-part Bhoy as Celtic made it 7IAR with his contribution to that win at Rugby Park. He is perhaps the most curious of all Brendan Rodgers signings. Why Brendan, why? It’s bizarre to say the least…

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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