Gaba could have hit 20 by now—Kanyenda

Former Flames marksman Esau Kanyenda says South Africa-based forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango would have scored 20 goals in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) if it was not for the pandemic.

Kanyenda, who starred for Jomo Cosmos in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) between 2001 and 2003 before he landed a deal at Russian top-flight league side FC Rostov, feels Mhango has performed well despite playing under pressure.

Mhango currently sits pretty at the top of the PSL’s goal-scoring chart, with 14 goals.

Kanyenda was quoted by South Africa’s daily, The Citizen, as having said he feels the 27-year-old Pirates’ hitman has performed well despite playing under pressure at Pirates.

“Gaba has that ability to become a top goalscorer. The only problem is that at a team like Pirates, it’s not like the teams that I played for….Because at Cosmos there was not much pressure and we had good players.

“It’s an advantage for him at Pirates if he can keep his head cool. Playing for Pirates is already an advantage,” he was quoted as saying.

“If he can just connect well with his team-mates, it’s going to be easy for him to be a top goalscorer and pass the 20-goal mark,” Kanyenda was further quoted as saying.

He added: “But now with this corona thing, it’s going to be difficult because it will be like you’re starting afresh.

“I think if it wasn’t for the virus he could have already scored 20 goals, that’s what I think.”

However, while appreciating Kanyenda’s praises, Mhango says he expects to find the back of the net on a regular basis when football resumes.

Although he has not scored in the previous three league matches, Mhango insists he will regain his scoring touch.

“I know I was not scoring when the lockdown started, but nothing will change after this break.

“Personally, I also train on my own to keep in shape. Even if they say the games resume tomorrow, I will be fit to play 90 minutes and even score.