Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
AT 17, son of former Warriors captain and Manchester City forward Benjani Mwaruwari, Benjani junior has signed his first professional contract with English fifth-tier side Yeovil Town.
Benjani junior joined the fifth-tier club as an academy player in January 2020 after leaving Portsmouth, a team his father played for.
In a statement on their official website, Yeovil Town said they are excited to agree pro-terms with Benjani junior after his impressive stint since his arrival at the National League side.
“Yeovil Town are delighted to announce that Benjani junior has signed professional terms with the Club. Arriving from Portsmouth in January 2020, the youngster made an instant impression, playing up a year group in the EFL Youth Alliance League,” the club said.
Last season, the young forward scored 25 goals and managed 16 assists in 30 games for the Under-18 side. He was also the top scorer as the Under 18’s won the national college seven-a-side tournament. He also enjoyed involvement with the first team, making his Somerset Premier Cup debut from the substitute’s bench.
“With the 17-year-old signing his first professional contract, it means an Under-18 player has signed professional terms with Yeovil Town for the third season in a row, continuing the previous success of Ollie Haste and Toby Stephens.
“Following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a professional footballer for the likes of Manchester City, Portsmouth and Auxerre, Benjani Junior now makes his first steps in the professional game,” the club added.
Yeovil Town manager Chris Hargreaves commented, “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Benjani and his family on him signing his first professional contract.
“Following his excellent form for the Under-18s, he has had a number of opportunities to train with the first team and has impressed all of our coaching staff.
“The signing is a testament to the excellent work going on within our EPDP scheme and the hard work by all associated with the programme.
“He will continue to play for Matt Percival’s Under-18’s side and train with the first team on a regular basis.”— @innocentskizoe
derick.khumalo