Former Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari has finally signed a one-year contract extension at English Premiership club Blackburn Rovers.
According to reports from the Lancashire Telegraph, Benjani agreed to the deal on Monday and immediately reported for pre-season training at Brockhall, determined to put last season’s dismal run away.
Rovers’ decision to offer the 32-year-old striker another contract has raised eyebrows among some supporters this summer, after scoring just three goals in 18 league appearances last campaign.
The former Auxerre of France, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Sunderland man insists he still has full confidence in his ability to score goals at the highest level, but knows the hard work starts now if he is going to silence the doubters.
Benjani struggled to make an impact at Rovers last season having spent most of the summer without a club, but believes he would be better prepared for a real shot at this campaign.
He said: “I have always wanted to stay at Blackburn Rovers and I am looking forward to the new season here. I know I have to work hard in pre-season to get myself ready for it.
“I believe there is a lot more to come from me at this club and enjoying a full pre-season will help me to show that. I was playing catch-up for most of last season and it was difficult.
“I didn’t really enjoy a full pre-season last summer and that was a big part of my problem. I just hope the injuries can stay away.”
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Benjani arrived in England in 2006 when he joined Portsmouth and, after a slow start, scored 19 goals in 70 appearances to become a favourite on the south coast and earn him a move to Manchester City.
Injuries limited his chances at Eastlands though and, after scoring just four goals, was released in June 2010 before signing for Rovers a couple of months later after another failed stint at Sunderland.
“I have scored goals in the Premier League before, but I can’t live on the past,” said Benjani.
“I know I have to prove it again this season and I will be working hard to do that.
“What has happened before doesn’t matter. It is what happens from now and that is why I was back in training and am determined to work very hard. I am looking forward to the new season and glad to be back here.”
