Benjani is back with a different Blues goal

POMPEY favourite Benjani Mwaruwari is back at Fratton Park.

Although the ever-popular striker is completing his coaching badges with the Blues’ under-16s rather than earmarked to rediscover the first-team’s goal touch.

Now aged 42, Benjani is assisting Shaun North in coaching sessions on a twiceweekly basis to meet Uefa A licence criteria.

The former Zimbabwe international is scheduled to remain with Pompey for another six weeks, enabling him to fulfil requirements of 40 hours practical work.

Benjani, above, who scored 20 goals in 94 games during his Fratton Park career, is eyeing a coaching career, either in England or in his native Zimbabwe.

Based in Ringwood, he has retained close links with his former club through son Benjani junior, who is on Pompey’s books.

The youngster, also a striker, represents the under16 side his father is presently coaching.

Benjani arrived at Pompey in January 2006 from

Auxerre and went on to feature prominently in the Great Escape under Harry Redknapp.

His first Blues goal came in the penultimate game of the 2005/06 season at Wigan - the day survival was secured thanks to a 2-1 victory.

After being sold to Manchester City in February 2008, he returned to the Blues for a second spell in August 2011, lasting the season.

He remains an endearingly popular figure among the Fratton faithful, who respected his work ethic and embraced that iconic goal celebration.