Bidvest Wits in talks with Benjani Mwaruwari

Jun 13, 2012 10:20:00 AM

The Zimbabwe international could soon be on the books of the Clever Boys if the South African top flight club have their way

Bidvest Wits have initiated talks with former Jomo Cosmos and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as they look to secure the services of the Zimbabwean international before the start of the new season.

Mwaruwari, who retired from international football in 2010, played in 44 games for the Zimbabwe national team, scoring 29 goals.

While the striker has also been recently linked with a move to both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, the Clever Boys have made the first move and are now well positioned to secure his signature.

Wits coach Roger de Sa confirmed meeting Mwaruwari in person this week.

"I had a chat with Benjani over a cup of coffee on Tuesday," he told KickOff.com.

"He is a quality player with a good personality. We are definitely interested in signing him as I believe he has the experience and talent to add value in our team," added de Sa, without giving further details of the meeting.

De Sa says it would be easy for Mwaruwari to fit into his side as he is already used to South African conditions.

The dread-locked striker had an outstanding spell while playing for Cosmos between 1999 and 2002 before he was snapped up by French side AJ Auxerre.

"I think he will make an impact. He has his positive qualities which are quite different from those of Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga Nomvethe for example. We will see how the talks progress," de Sa said.

If Wits succeed in their bid, Mwaruwari will link up with another fellow Zimbabwean at the club, goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro.

The two players were part of the Zimbabwe national team that competed in the 2004 and 2006 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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