AmaZulu complete signing Gaba

South African DStv Premiership side AmaZulu have confirmed signing Malawian forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango from Orlando Pirates.

South African daily The Citizen yesterday quoted AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu as having confirmed a swap deal that will see  Mhango joining Usuthu and Tapelo Xoki moving to the Bucs.

“Dr Irvin Khoza did contact me personally about Tapelo Xoki and we’ve spoken. I respect him for the way he handled it, so Xoki will leave us, he played his last game on Tuesday and Gabadinho Mhango is joining us,” Zungu is quoted as having said in an interview with Ukhozi FM.

However, while confirming AmaZulu’s interest in the Flames marksman, his manager Mike Makaab said in an interview on Wednesday evening that there was no deal yet.

“There is interest, but nothing has been agreed yet,” he said.

Three weeks ago, the 29-year-old expressed his desire to leave the Soweto giants after a frustrating season which saw him only making two starts.

His stellar performance at the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon where he was among the leading scorers with three goals in January, did not help his cause either.

But Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncinkazi is on record as having said his performance at the continental showpiece was no guarantee for a place in the starting line-up.

Mhango was also linked with a move to Royal AM who are coached by his compatriot John Maduka.

At AmaZulu, Mhango will team up with his compatriot and Flames captain Limbikani Mzava.

He is also set to link up with former teammates Augustine Mulenga, Luvuyo Memela, Thabo Qalinge and Xola Mlambo.

Xoki joins the Soweto club with the future of captain Happy Jele uncertain as his contract comes to an end in June.