Why Fratton favourite Benjani Mwaruwari's back at Portsmouth - for now

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 twice-weekly 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, 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 under-16 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.

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.

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