Firm in drive to ‘save’ Gaba

ProSport International, an agency which manages South Africa-based Malawian forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango says it is optimistic that the player will overcome the difficult situation he is currently going through.

The agency’s chief executive officer Mike Makaab was responding to a question on whether they have made follow-ups on alleged incidents involving the player which made headlines in South African tabloids recently.

In an interview on Saturday, the agent said: “We are working closely with the club [Orlando Pirates] and Gaba and feel positive that we will overcome this difficult period.”

The Flames striker has not featured for the Buccaneers since the Sunday World alleged in its report that he was briefly detained by an upmarket social joint in Pretoria after a disagreement on settling a R26 000 (about K1.6 million) bill.

However, Club Propaganda refuted the reports through a posting on their official Facebook page, saying: “We have never experienced negative challenges of whatsoever from the above-mentioned guest.

“Our relationship remains healthy, intact. We look forward to continuous hosting of our esteemed guest and countless visitors from all walks of life.”

Mhango’s last match was against Gallants in the DStv Premier League on August 24 and since then, he has not featured in five matches let alone as a substitute. But Makaab could not be drawn to comment on whether their client is on suspension.

The 28-year-old forward could not be reached for comment yesterday.

In an interview yesterday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu also said they are concerned with the player’s conduct lately.

He said: “We are very concerned about his behaviour, current form and future. This has potential of rubbing off teammates and we have been closely managing his situation in camp.

“His career is at stake and this is the defining moment in his career. He has loads of potential and he hasn’t yet reached his full potential. We haven’t seen the best of him with the Flames recently and we are losing out.

“I have personally reached out to him on several occasions and counselled him. He listens and he wants to change, but unfortunately responds selectively and unexpectedly.

“It’s clear that Gaba needs help as I feel he has psychological problems. We intend to work closely with Orlando Pirates to rehabilitate him so that he can reform in good time because he is not a lost cause or a hopeless case.”

Pirates have not commented publicly on the player who still has a year remaining on his contract.