Gaba cannot feature for Celtic

Football sensation Gabadinho Mhango has signed a one-year deal with South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bloemfontein Celtic, but he will not feature for their main team as records indicate he is 16 years old.

According to the rules, a player cannot feature in the PSL if he is less than 18 years of age.

And Gaba’s passport details show that he was born on September 27 1996 which means he will turn 17 next month.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) administration officer Casper Jangale also confirmed that even if Gabadinho is cleared, he would not be able to feature in competitive matches for Celtic’s senior side.

“According to the records, Gaba is still a minor and that means he will be eligible to play in the PSL in September next year.

“But even then, it is doubtful because the transfer window would have been closed and that means he will have to wait until January 2015.

“His compatriot [Limbikani] Mzava also found himself in a similar situation at the same club about two years ago. It was also the same with Luka Milanzi in DR Congo where he could not feature because his passport showed that he was a minor,” said Jangale.

Gabadinho could not be reached for comment yesterday, but Celtic’s team manager John Maduka confirmed that the player has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for another two years.

“I can confirm that we signed the boy yesterday [Monday] having successfully undergone medical tests.

“We are happy to have him, he is young and talented with a bright future ahead if he can stay focused. I am sure that our country [Malawi] will also benefit from his services because he stands to gain more exposure,” said Maduka in a telephone interview from Bloemfontein yesterday.

Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire also confirmed the development saying they are waiting for official communication from the player’s agency Prosport and their South African ambassador Patrick Mabedi before determining the transfer fee.

“We need to be briefed on the terms that they have agreed on before we determine the actual transfer fee,” said Mkandawire.