When will it turn right for Benjani?

Zimbabwe international captain Benjani Mwaruwari has scored only seven Premiership goals since moving to Portsmouth from Auxerre in January 2006’s transfer window. Speculation has emerged that the player might return to France, but I would suggest he needs a bit more time and will come right.

Most Portsmouth fans will probably disagree with me and want to show Benjani the door, but he is an excellent, hard working player who was sensational at Auxerre. If he could settle himself at the club and with Premiership football he can easily turn into a 15-20 goal a season striker.

Why my confidence? Well, every player with few exceptions that tries to work within the team will have his day. There have been a host of players that take time to settle in the Premiership and start producing big time, just look at Didier Drogba. Pompey had their best season in years and Benjani started 26 of those games. You could argue that it was in spite of him, but it was not. He helped the team get results because he was active and threatening. Harry Redknapp agrees:

"Benjani was fantastic for us and worked his socks off. He gave us so much but he only scored six goals. We need to get goalscorers in who can get you 15 or 20 goals a year."

While there is speculation that Portsmouth may sign John Utaka from Rennes, and are interested in Boro’s Yakubu, it’s hopefully not to replace Benjani. I doubt it anyway, regardless of the interest Marseille has shown in the player. Portsmouth have problems up front with Andy Cole’s age, Kanu not yet extending his contract and Lua Lua a cry baby with his ‘I’m unappreciated’ garbage.

When will it turn right? Next season.