Benni McCarthy

Began his career in the domestic league with Seven Stars before moving to Ajax for 1997-98 season.

He made his international debut in June 1997 against Holland.

He established his reputation in the African Nations' Cup finals the following year, netting four goals against Namibia and seven in total as South Africa went on to finish runners-up.

He made the squad for the 1998 World Cup finals, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Denmark, but later opted out of the international scene in an attempt to establish himself at Ajax.

Benni scored regularly in his spell at Ajax but has not always been able to gain a regular place in the starting line-up and switched Celta Vigo for the start of 1999-2000 season.

He again failed to establish a place in the first team and an attempted move to the Premiership with Middlesbrough in September 2001 failed as he was refused a work permit.

He left Celta Vigo on loan to FC Porto in Portugal in December 2001 hoping to make the move a permanent one at the end of the season.

Despite his woes at club level, he has an excellent record at international level and he did return for them in the qualifying competition and the African Nations' Cup Finals in Mali.

Benni scored in South Africa's final game in the 2002 World Cup finals - a 3-2 defeat by Spain.

He joined Blackburn Rovers in July 2006 with a four-year contract that was extended to June 2011 in April 2008.

Benni joined West Ham United in February 2010 with a contract to June 2012 that was cancelled in April 2011.