As Blackburn Rovers trialist Dean Furman attempts to impress boss Gary Bowyer, Chris Flanagan takes a look at what became of Rovers’ former South Africans.

 

BENNI McCARTHY

THE former Rovers striker has been working as a coach with Hibernian’s under 20s after moving to Edinburgh, where his wife hails from.

“I am doing my badges and I would love to go back and coach my old team Blackburn,” he said.

“I would love to see more South African players at Blackburn, a club that love South Africa.

“They had Elrio van Heerden, Aaron Mokoena, and myself. They went for Steven Pienaar as well, but he signed for Everton instead.

“They have a great relationship with South African players. That’s why I would love to be a manager there one day and bring in more South African players to the club.”

 

AARON MOKOENA

THE Axe moved back to South Africa with Bidvest Wits after leaving Ports-mouth but has been out of the game since 2013 to pursue business interests.

Now 34, he was linked with a deal to join Tanzanian side Yanga earlier this year.

“Officially I am not retired, I might surprise you,” he said.

 

ELRIO VAN HEERDEN

THE winger left Rovers in 2010 after only two appearances. He moved on to Sivasspor, Westerlo and Golden Arrows but left the South African side in 2012.

He said recently that he had not given up on finding a new club.