Gabadinho set for debut final in SA
Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango—who is enjoying a rich vein of form— has said he is relishing top-drawer performance in his prospective debut final match in South Africa.
Mhango’s Bidvest Wits face high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 finals at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
“I am very excited at the prospect of playing my first-ever finals in South Africa, the feeling is amazing and I cannot wait.
“But I do not want to put myself under unnecessary pressure. I am only praying that I should get a run because this could be my dream match,” said the Flames striker in an interview from South Africa yesterday.
However, he acknowledged that they will be up against a formidable side.
“They [Sundowns] are currently one of the best teams on the continent and that explains why they are in the finals of the CAF Champions League and they are also the reigning PSL [Premier Soccer League] champions.
“But believe me you, we want it more. We are eager and determined to win this one,” said Gabadinho.
Former Flames coach Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali said Gabadinho has the potential to scale greater heights.
“He is naturally talented and has all the vital attributes of a complete striker, especially positioning and timing. He is also able to take on defenders.
“The only drawback with the chap is that he tends to lose his cool at times and enters into unnecessary confrontation with opponents; otherwise he is world-class, the type of player any coach would love to have in his team and he can make a big impact in Saturday’s match based on his recent form,” he said.
Gabadinho, who has grabbed three man-of-the-match accolades in five matches so far this season, is tipped to partner Cuthbert Malajila and Eleazar Rodgers in Wits’ potent attack.
He joined Wits after being released by Bloemfontein Celtic last season, but had to spend six months on loan at Golden Arrows.
