The striker who missed two planes to join Manchester City
In short: In 2008, Benjani Mwaruwari’s move to Manchester City nearly collapsed because he missed two successive flights. He arrived at the training ground at 11:10 pm, just ten minutes before the midnight deadline. This chaotic transfer remains a legendary footnote in Premier League history.
Benjani Mwaruwari's career was defined by high-stakes drama and a deep connection to the fans. After rising to prominence in South Africa with Jomo Cosmos, he moved to Europe, eventually becoming a top scorer in France's Ligue 1 for Auxerre. His move to the English Premier League with Portsmouth in 2006 was marked by controversy; a 2007 inquiry expressed concerns over the role of multiple agents in the £4.1 million deal. Despite initial struggles, Benjani became a fan favorite, famously scoring three goals in a 7–4 win over Reading that set a record for the most goals in a single Premier League match.
The most bizarre chapter of his career occurred during his transfer to Manchester City. After a successful stint at Portsmouth, a £7.6 million bid was accepted. However, a logistical nightmare involving missed planes meant he didn't reach the club until the final moments of the transfer window. Because he arrived so late, the deal was technically incomplete, and Portsmouth moved to sign Jermain Defoe instead. He eventually signed a year later for a lower fee of £3.87 million, making his debut against rivals Manchester United.
Beyond the pitch, Mwaruwari's legacy is tied to his leadership and personal sacrifice. He served as the captain of the Zimbabwe national team and famously provided the personal funding for the team's stay in France during their 2006 Africa Cup of Nations preparations. Today, he has transitioned into coaching, working with the Plymouth Argyle Academy and the Zimbabwean national team.
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