Benjani’s short team deal with Rovers has expired but according to reports from UK, Kean has revealed he is hopeful of giving him a new deal. Benjani, (32) signed a one-year deal at Rovers last August but failed to play the number of games needed for him to get an extension.
However, towards the end of the campaign, the Zimbabwean striker played a crucial role in helping the club fight against relegation. He scored three goals in 18 appearances in total, which was enough to convince Kean.
Kean was quoted as saying: We are hopeful that we can put something together for Benjani. It will probably come on the FA website that he is a free transfer, but we want him here. We havent gone into detail with Benji but I said to him I would like to put something towards him and that will hopefully be done in the next couple of days.
He has done really well for us. The type of lad he is, he is happy to have a role as an impact player as a substitute or if he is in good form and has a run in the team, then I think he has shown he is a guy defenders dont want to play against. He certainly had a strong end to the season. Benjani, who has since retired from international football, joined Rovers after leaving Manchester City following the expiry of his two-and-a-half year deal with the English premiership side. He is
expected in the country this week to cheer the Warriors who play Mali on Sunday.
1.6.2011
6:51
Benjani set to extend stay at Rovers
HARARE - Former Zimbabwe senior soccer team captain Benjani Mwaruwari (Pictured) is set to extend his stay at Black Burn Rovers after his performance towards the end of the campaign convinced manager Steve Kean that he can still add value to the side.