Benjani takes over from Ndlovu

BENJANI Mwaruwari celebrated his appointment as Zimbabwe national soccer team captain with his first premiership goal this season in Portsmouth's crushing 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough Monday night.

Charles Mhlauri ealier on Monday revealed he had asked the 28-year-old Portsmouth hitman to skipper his country.

Mwaruwari scored with a header on 50 minutes, and Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu fired in a brace before substitute Svetoslav Todorov smashed in a fourth.

Mhlauri said Mwaruwari's appointment was made with Peter Ndlovu's blessings after the long-serving national team skipper indicated he wanted to give up the role following Zimbabwe's early exit from the Nations Cup Finals in Egypt last February.

Mhlauri told media journalists: "I spoke to Peter in South Africa recently about how to move things forward and he told me he wanted to quit football altogether.

"I convinced him that he still has a role to play in the national team and he agreed to make himself available for any future assignments."

He added: "He played in England for 10 years, and not many foreign players manage that. He is technically astute and has been a great servant for the country.

"It is my view that even if he stopped playing, he still has a lot to offer to the team, either as a coach or technical adviser. I was personally privileged to have had a great skipper like him and wish him all the best in his career choices."

Mhlauri said he had spoken to Mwaruwari by telephone and he had indicated his desire to lead his country.

"It was a natural selection. Mwaruwari commands the respect of his teammates and fans. He is a shy character, but he knows the game very well and compliments the good work of the others around him," said Mhlauri.

Mhlauri leaves for a coaching course in Germany next week. He will stay in Europe for a month before returning to lead the Warriors' assault on the Cosafa Cup.

Mwaruwari joined Portsmouth from French club, Auxerre in a £4, 1 million club record transfer last year.