Gaba gets praises from Swallows coach

South African DStv Premiership outfit Swallows FC coach Steve Komphela has sang praises of his new-signing Malawian forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango, describing him as a fighter and genius.

The coach said this in a post-match interview after Mhango’s debut for the Dube Birds in a league match against Cape Town Stars which they lost 1-0.

Komphela was quoted by KickOff.Com as having said: “Fighter as usual, beautiful free-kick that forced Darren Keet to a save, those are trademarks of an attacker.

“The guy smells a goal, wants a goal, looking for spaces and all that. And also the influence he has on the players, competitive spirit. That’s what we want from him.

“And he fights, that’s what we know of Mhango.”

Commenting on the Flames forward’s combative personality, the coach said: “Geniuses will always pose a challenge and not a problem because geniuses are intelligent.

“You cannot go to a genius and give them a 10-point questionnaire that is the same as everyone else because a genius will complete it by the time you finish giving the sheets to the last candidate.

“So, a genius needs work and special work. A genius focuses on what he is given.

“I don’t have a problem with players that are highly gifted. Show me any other person that is highly gifted and still normal?

“If you want people that are modest, then go to church.”

Reacting to Komphela’s praises, Mhango said he was flattered.

Said the 30-year-old in an interview: “To have a coach speaking highly of you like that just shows the trust and admiration he has in you and I need to repay him for that and I can only do that by performing to his expectations.”

The former Amazulu, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein striker said he is settling down well at his new club.

“I was accorded a hearty welcome here by management, fans and my new team-mates and all looks good. I want to prove a point that I am not past my prime and enjoy my game,” he said.

Mhango, who was the Premier Soccer League joint golden boot winner alongside Peter Shalulile with 16 goals apiece, joined Swallows after being released by AmaZulu before the start of the current season.