Gabadinho off to SA for trials
Big Bullets’ fairy-tale romance with their wonderkid Gabadinho Mhango might come to an abrupt end should he make the grade at modest South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit AmaZulu where he is set to start trials this morning.
The 20-year-old red-hot forward flew to Durban Wednesday afternoon.
Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire said the trials have been jointly arranged by Prosport International, a South African-based firm which manages the player and Bullets’ ambassador in South Africa, Patrick Mabedi.
Mkandawire said AmaZulu have asked Prosport International to assess the player for slightly over a month, which Bullets feel is too long.
“While we appreciate that there are several aspects that professional clubs look into when assessing a player, it does not have to take more than two weeks to evaluate a player.
“So, through the agency, we will negotiate for a shorter period,” said Mkandawire.
Everything being equal, Gabadinho is expected to return home on July 31.
Asked if the player’s parents and guardian have now softened up on their earlier position not to allow him to join a foreign club unless he completes secondary education, Mkandawire said: “That is already covered because in the contract that Gabadinho signed with Prosport, there is a condition that any club intending to sign him should commit to his education.”
Gabadinho’s father could not be reached for comment, but the player himself claimed that he got the blessings of his family to travel to South Africa.
“I spoke to my father and sister about this opportunity and they were also briefed by Bullets management. They gave me the go-ahead as long as the conditions are met.
“Such opportunities come once in a lifetime and I am happy that another door has opened and I will work extra hard to impress the technical staff,” said Gabadinho.
He admitted that it will not be easy for him to sway the South African club.
In recent past, Gabadinho was linked with possible moves to Invincible Eleven (Liberia), Jomo Cosmos and Black Leopards (South Africa).
Mkandawire conceded that Bullets will definitely miss their wonderboy.
“He is our key player and an asset, but we cannot block him from prospects of a bright future,” he said.
