HARARE The failure of the Zimbabwe national team to book a place in the African Nations Cup might well turn out to be a blessing in disguise for skipper and Manchester City forward Benjani Mwaruwari. He recently seized the rare opportunity of being thrust into the fray of the Manchester City fold with both hands by grabbing the all-important goal which powered his side to a slender but well-deserved 1 0 victory over Middlesbrough.
The goal, the former Portsmouth and AJ Auxerre strikers first in more than a year, was a good reason to celebrate and Mwaruwari will now take advantage of the absence of regular striker Emmanuel Adebayor to return to his usual goal-scoring form.
Adebayor is currently on duty with Togo at the African Cup of Nations in Angola and this has given the likes of Benjani chance to show new Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini what he is capable of.
The 31-year-old is now reaching the twilight of his career and speculation is rife that he might seek a transfer this month as he hunts for a team where he is likely to get more playing time.
Manchester Citys massive financial resources, which are being used by the owners of the club to try and break the domination of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in English football, have seen them securing the services of quality strikers like Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy.
These acquisitions have seen Benjani falling down the pecking order, leading him to consider a move from the club. His club, however, is eager to hold on to him during a crucial period that will see them face Manchester United.
The African Cup of Nations has traditionally created headaches for a good number of English clubs that heavily rely on African players. Chelsea once again are one of the victims as they will have to make do without Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast) and Michael Essien (Ghana).
Post published in: Football