I respect the coach’s decision, says Gaba
South Africa-based forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango says he respects Flames coach Patrick Mabedi’s decision to drop him from the squad for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The revitalised Moroka Swallows hitman was the surprise exclusion in the 26-member squad that will face Sao Tome and Principe at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe this Thursday before taking on Equatorial Guinea away four days later.
Sounding relaxed in an interview from his Johannesburg base on Monday, the 31-year-old said: “For me, I am OK with it, I am good. At the end of the day, it is the coach’s decision and there is nothing I can do.
“As much as I would love to represent my country, I have to respect his decision. I love representing my country, but maybe I don’t suit the coach’s plans.
“I have no doubts that my time will come and I will be back in the national team.”
The former AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits, Lomontville Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic player also wished the Flames the best of luck.
“I just want to urge the guys to go there and give their all for the nation and we will be behind them all the way,” he said.
Mhango was in top form towards the end of the season in the DStv Premiership, scoring five goals in the last eight games and being named man-of-the-match twice. He scored eight goals in all competitions.
Mabedi was not available for comment on Monday.
But former Flames coach and Malawi’s all-time leading scorer Kinnah Phiri said unless the coach has other reasons not related to football, the player deserved to be in the team.
“It is disappointing and unfair to drop such an experienced player who is enjoying good form. It is frustrating to the player. If there is something that the country does not know, then let him [Mabedi] come out,” he said.
The Flames gaffer has called seven foreign-based players, namely South Africa-based Brightone Munthali, defender Dennis Chembezi based in Iraq, Zambia-based trio of midfielder Robert Saizi and strikers Chawanangwa Kaonga and Chifundo Mphasi, captain John ‘CJ’ Banda based in Mozambique as well as US-based forward Henri Kumwenda.
Munthali, Chembezi and Kumwenda are already in camp while the rest were expected to arrive on Monday.
