By Chrispin Kapindira
In a controversial move, flames coach Patrick Mabedi has declared Malawi national team star Gabadinho Mhango, too old to play for the Flames.
Mhango, who has been a star player for the team with 58 caps and 15 goals, finds himself sidelined as Malawi prepares for crucial upcoming matches against São Tomé and Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Mabedi's decision to drop Mhango from the squad has sparked a heated debate among football analysts with some pointing on the perceived decline in Mhango's performance, which they believe justifies the coach's decision.
However, supporters of Mhango argue that age should not be a disqualifying factor for a player's inclusion in a national team, pointing to examples like Toni Kroos, who recently helped Real Madrid secure a Champions League title at the age of 34.
At 31, Mhango continues to play at the club level for Moroka Swallows in South Africa, but his exclusion from the national team for these important matches has left many questioning the strategic direction of Mabedi and the future of Malawi's football.
Comments