FROM THE STREETS TO STARDOM

Benni’s professional career as a player began when he was 17. He signed to Cape Town side Seven Stars where he scored 27 goals in 29 games in the 1995-96 season.

His performance attracted the attention of European managers and when he was 19, he was signed to Ajax Amsterdam. His salary rocketed from R1 200 a month with Seven Stars to $80 000 (then R288 000) a month and a $600 000 (then about R2m) signing fee.

He was part of the team that won the Dutch cup in 1998 and 1999. Ajax was also crowned Dutch champions in 1998.