Gaba’s inclusion not automatic

Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo has said the inclusion of wonderkid Gabadinho Mhango for Wednesday’s swim-or-sink 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya’s Harambee Stars will not be automatic.

Gabadinho, who missed last Wednesday’s match against Namibia’s Brave Warriors, has said he is ready to play should the coaches consider him for the match as he will complete his Junior Certificate of Education examinations on Tuesday—just a day before the game.

But Ng’onamo said the player will have to be assessed this weekend to determine whether he can be thrown into service.

“He is one of our key strikers at the moment, no doubt about that and it is good that he is willing to play.

“But his inclusion will not be automatic, we’ll have to assess him before making a determination.

“It also has to be born in mind that we have other equally good strikers as well and we are trying to work on several options,” said Ng’onamo.

The Flames crafted a plethora of chances against Namibia, but sadly, failed to make good use of them and were held to a goalless draw.

However, Flames legend and former captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda cautioned authorities on the move.

“Of course, the lad is a ruthless finisher and he can do it, but we shouldn’t put him under too much pressure.

“We have to consider that his focus has been on exams and there will be an awful lot of expectation from people and this could have a negative effect. There are also other good strikers such as ‘Mamba’ [Esau Kanyenda], Yakubu [Chiukepo Msowoya] and Robin [Ngalande] who are good finishers as well, but it is just a matter of coming up with the right combination,” said Mponda.

Gabadinho scored the lone goal when the Flames beat Namibia 1-0 away in Windhoek in March.

The Flames have six points—two behind group leaders Nigeria—with two games each before they complete the qualifiers.