Cosmos relaunch Gabadinho bid

South Africa’s Jomo Cosmos have relaunched their pursuit for Big Bullets’ phenomenon Gabadinho Mhango.

Two months after Bullets and the players’ guardian shrugged off Cosmos, the South Africa First Division club’s official, Ben Chiwaya, on Monday said he was still trying to lure Gabadinho.

“I have talked to the chairperson [Malinda Chinyama] and another Bullets official and they keep promising to come back to me. They are insisting that the player needs to concentrate on school, but that is not an issue. We can send him to better schools in South Africa,” said the veteran scout.

Chiwaya, who dismissed talk that South Africa is a graveyard for Malawian football players, said he also contacted Gabadinho, but he referred him to a sister.

Malawian players such as Hendrix Banda, Peter Mgangira, Peter Wadabwa and Meke Mwase had unsuccessful spells with Cosmos despite the hype that surrounded their signing. Esau Kanyenda was the notable success at Cosmos.

“The club and his parents have a final say, but we feel he can make a big difference to Cosmos. Not all Malawian players struggle in South Africa. The likes of Robert Ng’ambi are doing well. It is a question of dedication. Cosmos is a big buyer of Malawi talent. We cannot stop scouting,” said Chiwaya.

Chinyama confirmed Chiwaya’s fresh interest in the youngster who has swept the Bullets family off its feet with a flurry of goals and breath-taking dribbling.

“It is correct, Cosmos have been calling, but the parents have a last say. I said I will come back to him as I needed to consult my colleagues and in turn, his guardian. The player seems interested, though,” said Chinyama.

Gabadinho, who is believed to be 20, on Monday confirmed Cosmos’ renewed interest in him.

“My parents have not changed their stance that I must first concentrate on school. I am actually speaking to you from school [Mlauli Private Secondary School, Blantyre],” he said.