PortuGOAL Figure of the Week: Beni Mukendi, Vitória Sport Clube’s Angolan amulet | OneFootball

Vitória SC’s season began inauspiciously. The departures of Tomás Händel, Tiago Silva and Filipe Relvas drained the side of proven quality and fan favourites, with optimism understandably low for one of Portugal’s more turbulent yet grand institutions.

However, three wins from three, helped by Luís Pinto’s changes to personnel and team structure, have renewed belief that the tide may be turning for Os Conquistadores.

Beni Mukendi stands amongst the players who have stepped up in the absence of formerly recognised stars, rewarded with his first goal in over 100 games of professional football.

One of four goals in an overwhelming demolition of lowly AVS, a victory worthy of the venue and supporting cast.

This is the story of Benedito Mambuene Mukendi, the elegant Angolan midfielder leading Vitória SC into the future. Kevin Fernandes reports.

Another Angola pearl

Born in the Angolan capital of Luanda, Beni came through the academy at Petro de Luanda before moving to Portugal in 2020 — a path followed by many Angolan greats, from Peyroteo to Hélder Costa.

Mukendi’s transition to European football was seamless, playing a key role for Trofense and earning promotion to Portugal’s second tier in the process.

Newly promoted Liga Portugal outfit Casa Pia subsequently signed the midfielder on a four-year contract after 43 appearances in the Porto region.

Os Gansos would enjoy mid-table security with Beni amongst the ranks before Vitória poached the midfielder in January, where Mukendi had big shoes to fill as Manu Silva departed for Lisbon giants Benfica.

It took three million euros for Casa Pia to part ways with their Angolan gem, and since, Trofense has promised to take the ‘Casapianos’ to court after not respecting the alleged 40% sell-on fee previously agreed upon.

Far from an instant undisputed starter in Guimarães, Mukendi is seemingly convincing after short adaptation periods – providing an evident impact blending athletic, aesthetic ball-carrying with assertive defensive work.

The Angolan international is quickly maturing, representing the ‘Palancas Negras’ at the 2019 U-17 World Cup and earning a senior call-up in March 2022. A first appearance in a major tournament now feels inevitable for Mukendi in due course.

Beni Mukendi has settled well in Guimarães (Photo: VitoriaSC)

Graceful and intelligent

Press-resistant, graceful and refined when ball-carrying and tactically intelligent – Beni Mukendi is one of the most promising midfielders outside of the traditional Big Three of Porto, Sporting and Benfica.

Beni is best platformed as a deep midfielder with free license to impact the first phases of build-up play with powerful, progressive carries or ambitious, progressive passes (particularly impressive in direct play).

Mukendi expertly recycles possession, with high percentages for ball retention and regaining possession. 4.5 ball recoveries, 1.1 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per 90 this season demonstrate Beni’s authority in the defensive department for Vitória SC.

Mukendi regularly showcases excellent anticipation with relative ease. Either as a lone defensive stalwart or part of a pivot, the 23-year-old leaves nothing to be desired in terms of physicality – standing at 5’11, his strength, resistance and low centre of gravity gives him the advantage both in duels and shrugging off challenges while charging forward.

Performing at Casa Pia and Vitória SC – two clubs with contrasting ambitions and financial capacity – further highlights Beni’s versatility in different game models and game states, while only reaching 70 top-flight appearances this November.

Beni Mukendi is the latest PortuGOAL Figure of the Week, destined to reach even higher heights with attractive, well-rounded attributes.