Marumo Gallants striker Frank "Gabadinho" Mhango has been recalled for Malawi after almost a year in the wilderness and the Siya crew finds out why he was selected for his national team.
Mhango's return to the Flames comes immediately after the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) let go of coach Patrick Mabedi, who has been replaced by Zimbabwean international Callisto Pasuwa.
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Sources in Malawi close to FAM have indicated that Pasuwa, who is taking charge on an interim basis while still coaching FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, had made several changes to the squad that Mabedi used to select. This included Mhango in the team that will face Burundi and Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.
"That's true Gaba (Mhango) has been recalled to the national team. You know when the former coach didn't select him, the country, mainly football supporters, were not happy but they had to respect the coach's choice. Now, the new coach has recalled him and we hope this will help the team," said the Siya source before the squad was officially announced.
"He is the most experienced player in the squad and that is important for the team. That's why coach Pasuwa has recalled him to the national team," the source explained the selection.
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Malawi are already out of Afcon 2025 qualification contention, and the games they will play against Burundi and Burkina Faso will be for gaining experience for future campaigns.
Recently, Mhango was involved in a car accident in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He is now back in his club's squad following disciplinary action.
Soccer Laduma contacted FAM CEO Alfred Gunda, who confirmed that Mhango is in the squad called up by coach Pasuwa, and discussed how his experience is vital to help the young players in Malawi.
"If you look at the current squad that the coach has selected, Gaba is one of the most experienced players and the most dependable striker that the country has at the moment and we know the coach knew that he needed him in the team. That's why he recalled him back to the team to help the young players in the team as well. His presence is vital to the team," Gunda told Soccer Laduma.
