Hot property
South Africa-based Orlando Pirates’ Malawian forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango has been valued as the second most expensive striker in South Africa at R12.5 million (about K812.5 million) by transfermarkt.com.
Ironically, he comes second to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile with whom he shared last season’s top-flight league golden boot with 16 goals apiece.
The Namibian striker—who has finished as the second leading scorer this season with 15 goals—is valued at R16.7 million (about K1 billion) while Kaizer Chiefs marksman Leonardo Castro comes third at R10 million (about K650 million).
In an interview from his Johannesburg base yesterday, Mhango said he is humbled by the ratings.
He said: “There are many quality strikers in the DStv Premiership and to be named the second most expensive striker is awesome.
“I might not have lived up to the expectations this season, but perhaps there are a number of factors that they consider and probably my performance for last season has been factored in as well.
“It is an inspiration for me to work even harder so that my value increases.”
The 28-year-old striker struggled in the just-ended season mainly due to injuries.
Among other things, transfermarkt.com values players based on a range of characteristics and statistics, including form, age, popularity and chemistry.
Reads transfermarkt.com: “The age of a football player is such a crucial factor that a difference of even two years between players can separate their valuation by around 10 million euros. This is because clubs view players in terms of how long they can offer their full potential towards the club-goals such as international competitions and season silverware or promotion.
“The player’s previous record of goals scored or clean sheets affects his transfer value significantly because if he is in red-hot form, more clubs will be willing to buy him to make use of his potential and help the club possibly climb their league table to gain important points.”
Part of an article by South African publication opera.com, reads: “Gabadinho Mhango, who plays for Orlando Pirates, is in second place on the list and his value makes sense as he has played wonderfully at Pirates with two goals scored in his recent matches in the DStv Premiership.”
On Shalulile, it says: “He has claimed the top spot as he is considered to be the most expensive striker in the Dstv Premiership to date. His value comes at no surprise as he made an impressive debut season with Kaba yellow.”
Flames captain Limbikani Mzava is also rated as one of the most valuable players in South Africa.
Football analyst George Kaudza Masina said it is not surprising that Mhango is rated among the top strikers in South Africa considering his performance, especially last season.
He said: “You got to believe it when they say football is big business. At K812.5 million, Gaba’s value surpasses Flames’ funding. The way he has been valued can be a stepping stone for our players whereby scouts and agents can start believing in them.
“Suffice to say, Gaba has become a big brand and it is good for his career and financially. This should be a lesson to our clubs to start valuing players if they are to get the value for money.”
