Kaizer Chiefs’ Gaba chase suffers setback
Fallen South African giants Kaizer Chiefs’ chase for Malawian forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango has suffered a setback as his employers Bidvest Wits have exercised a contract extension option.
Mhango’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of June, and with Chiefs often working in the free market, it could have been a good time for them to pounce.
However, the player’s manager Mike Makaab is quoted by www.soccerladuma.co.za as having confirmed that the Clever Boys have extended his contract beyond the end of the 2018/19 campaign.
Chiefs have long been linked with a potential move for Mhango, but Wits’ move may have made things a bit more difficult.
Amakhosi, as Chiefs are popularly known, ended their worst Absa Premiership campaign in the PSL era, finishing outside the top half of the table and missing out on the top eight spot for the first time in 12 years.
Mhango was in and out of Gavin Hunt’s side over the course of the 2018/19 season, and ended the campaign with just six Absa Premiership starts to his name, however he did score on the final day after becoming more utilised in the last couple of months.
The 26-year-old striker, who is with the Flames in Durban for the Cosafa Cup showpiece, was not available for comment yesterday.
He has been earmarked for a potential exit from Braamfontein over the last year and underwent trials at Portuguese top league side Vitoria Setubal, but now any club wishing to take him on board will have to first speak to Wits after they exercised the option.
Contracts for two other Malawians who play in the South African top-flight league—defender Limbikani Mzava and midfielder Robert Ng’ambi—are due for expiry.
However, Mzava has since made his position plain that he will not be further extending his stay at Lomontiville Golden Arrows.
“I am done with Arrows, I will not be renewing my contract,” he told Weekend Nation last week.
The Flames captain said he is pursuing other options, including overseas openings.
On his part Ng’ambi said he will come out to explain his future in due course.
