But the Auxerre striker, now known as 'Benjani,' admits that even he is surprised with his good run of form.

"I never expected to be doing this well. Djibril Cisse (the top scorer in the French league last season) is an excellent player and I did not expect to get his place.

"But as a result of Cisse's injury, I got my chance and I have made the best use of it," Mwaruwari told BBC Sport Online.

The Zimbabwean admits that the inevitable return of the French international to the Auxerre side will make life more difficult for club coach Guy Roux.

"When Cisse is fully fit, the coach will have a hard time deciding which one of us will be in the starting line-up. But I am up to the challenge," Mwaruwari said.

Benjani's goalscoring form could play a role in Zimbabwe's quest to qualify for its first-ever African Nations Cup.

He said that news of his exploits in Europe have raised the expectations of his countrymen who want the Warriors at Tunisia 2004.

"People at home expect me do a lot for the national team. There is a lot of pressure to perform but one just has to live with it.

"Mali is our big rival in the group. If we can beat Seychelles home and away, I think we have a good chance of getting to Tunisia."

Mwaruwari is not without African opposition for the French topscorers award.

Monaco's Shabani Nonda also has seven goals to his credit.

"The competition between us is very interesting," Benjani says.

"But winning awards is not my priority right now. I just want to keep playing well for my club."