Jack seeks Maduka’s help on Gaba, Mzava
Flames deputy coach Jack Chamangwana has enlisted Bloemfontein Celtic team manager John Maduka’s help over his compatriot Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango’s dim in form.
Maduka will extend the ‘counselling’ to equally struggling Limbikani Mzava, the Celtic manager confirmed being contacted by Chamangwana on Monday.
“We are worried. If you go back to the Chad game, he [Mhango] was chasing the balls and scoring from all angles,” explained Chamangwana on Monday.
“It is common when players have not gone through developmental stages [loss of form]. We have talked to him. We will also talk to Maduka. If they can do the same at Celtic, it will click; he will realise there is a problem.”
The duo has, of late, struggled for form. Mhango, until recently was booed off when being substituted in 3-2 win over Ethiopia at Kamuzu Stadium last Wednesday, whereas Mzava was a late introduction.
Of particular concern to Chamangwana is Mhango, saying his form even in training has dwindled. Mhango last scored in May when Malawi beat Chad 2-0. He has three goals in 17 games.
“I was watching his game when he [Mhango] was substituted [against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday], he was out of form. He is not aggressive and not scoring. The hunger is gone,” Chamangwana noted.
Maduka yesterday said Mhango and Mzava were struggling, “but I cannot rush to criticise them. I will talk to them one-on-one today. Players lose form due to injury, off the field problems or when they have relaxed. I need to establish facts.”
But despite his slump in form, Mhango says he will win this season’s PSL Top Scorer Award in South Africa.
The Flames striker told the latest edition of the South African Kickoff Magazine that he is determined to win the Golden Boot Award this season after missing it by a whisker last season when it went to Kaizer Chiefs’ Bernard Parker.
“On the pitch, all I ever think about is banging goals. I will definitely score more than nine goals this season.
“It is up to God to decide how many goals I will score, but I am definitely aiming to improve on my scoring record. Actually, this season, I am aiming to be the top goal scorer because as a striker, the most important aspect of my game is to score goals,” Mhango was quoted as telling Kickoff.
And speaking in a telephone interview with The Nation from South Africa, the 22-year-old said the fact that he is behind the joint leading scorers by three goals will not affect his ambition.
“I still have the belief in myself. It is just a matter of time and I will start scoring. When you believe in God, everything is possible.
“I am determined to meet my target. There are still many games to play. As I said, I am just experiencing a bad patch,” said Mhango.
The current joint leading scorers are Moroka Swallows’ Lerato Chabangu and Kaizer Chiefs’ Reneilwe Letsholonyane with four goals apiece.
