Moroka Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango still has hopes to represent Malawi after he was left out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers squad.
The Flames take on São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea in the qualifiers double-header, and despite his fine form at club level, Malawi national team head coach Patrick Mabedi has omitted the former Orlando Pirates man. Mabedi’s side have recorded one victory but also lost one match so far in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
Mhango, who has been instrumental for Maswaiswai this season, has surprisingly been dropped by the former Kaizer Chiefs defender from his 26-man squad, though he netted eight goals this past season including five in his last eight matches.
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“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,” Mhango said, according to Nation Online.
“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.
“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.
The Flame’s former coach and all-time leading scorer Kinnah Phiri didn’t hold back his views in this situation, stating that there’s possibly something beyond football between the coach and the player.
“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.
Since breaking into the national team fold in 2012, the 31-year-old Chiweta-born striker has netted 17 goals in 68 appearances.
