'If none of us are doing anything to aid the next generation, how will there be more kids like us?' - Benjani

EIGHTEEN years ago, he was scoring goals in the Premier League and becoming a cult hero at Portsmouth.

- STUART JAMES

Now, Benjani Mwaruwari is helping the next generation of footballers hoping to forge a career for themselves at Plymouth Argyle.

The now 46-year-old former captain of Zimbabwe was a virtual unknown when he rocked up at Fratton Park in a £4.1 million deal from French side Auxerre in January 2006. It was actually a deal that was scrutinised by Lord Stevens as part of his investigation into corruption in English football that same year, which in turn led to several arrests.

The then Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp, was one of those under investigation, as was Willie McKay, the acting agent for Auxerre.

The inquiry also identified concerns regarding the role of agent Teni Yerima and third party Ralph N'Komo in Benjani's transfer to Pompey.

McKay was arrested in November 2007 by the City of London Police, who had continued a separate investigation into bribery and corruption in football after Stevens' report. But McKay was never charged and police bail dropped after two years.

Benjani, meanwhile, had become a fans' favourite at Pompey despite not scoring in his first 14 games for the club. His work ethic and assists for others did not go unnoticed, though, and when he did finally break his duck, it was a vital strike in a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic, which saw them avoid relegation from the Premier League.