Gaba must adapt, says Mzava
Gabadinho Mhango is a gem, but needs adjusting to the rough and tumble of the South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL), his Bloemfontein Celtic compatriot Limbikani Mzava has cautioned.
“Gabadinho is a good player, but it is his first time to play in PSL and as he gets used to the pace and physical part of the league, he will score goals,” the Flames defender told the club’s website www.bloemfonteincelticfc.co.za on Friday.
Celtic team manager John Maduka separately seemed to agree with Mzava that Gaba was on a learning curve in South Africa where defences are tighter.
“He has been handed substitute appearances (mostly friendlies). With time, he will be a threat. You must understand that he is young and in a new environment. The boy is deadly in the box. He has dangerous runs and the new coach likes him,” the former Flames captain said on Monday in a telephone interview.
Gaba has since making a scoring debut early this month, when he came off the bench to strike an equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Moroka Swallows, been sidelined in four consecutive league matches.
The former Big Bullets talisman was featured by interim coach Bobies Solomons, who is now coaching Polokwane City. German Ernst Middendorp is the new Celtic coach.
“I am happy to be at a big club like Celtic. Of course, it was an amazing feeling to score on my debut and I will be looking to score plenty more goals in the future for this club. I think the players around me are quality and I rate the coach (Middendorp). I want to score more goals and make a crucial contribution,” Gaba told Celtic website after scoring.
Middendorp has since told the website that he will use the obligatory three week break from PSL action to fine-tune his team before the next game on December 4 against Lamontville Golden Arrows.
“We have been together for only four weeks now. This break will give me a chance to fully assess the whole squad. Fringe players will come more to the fore and not just the 12 or 13 I have been selecting to do the business in the last four games,” the German is quoted as saying.
The former Azam Tigers and Escom United right back Mzava is also hoping the struggling Celtic can turn the corner. They lie 12th on the 16-member log table.
