Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango has revealed why he has taken the South Africa Premiership like duck to water with a blitz of three goals on the trot for Bloemfontein Celtic.
On Wednesday night, Gabadinho plucked Celtic from Maritzburg’s jaws of defeat to force a 1-1 draw with a curling 75th minute effort.
Last week, he also netted in a 2-1 win and 1-1 draw against Polokwane City and SuperSport United respectively.
“It is a different professional environment. The serious approach starts from training to the actual games. Football is the only career that puts food on my table, so I have resolved to fix my eyes on the ball,” Gabadinho explained.
Gabadinho now is Celtic’s leading scorer and South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) third-best on seven goals, three behind leading scorer Kaizer Chiefs’ Bernard Parker.
Compatriots John Maduka, Celtic team manager, and defender Limbikani Mzava have helped him make a seamless transition from Bullets, he said.
“They talk to me a lot that I must keep away from bad company, bad habits and desist from arguing with referees. The coach also emphasises on progressive one-touch football. You can make two touches, but three is the maximum. It is about being fast on the ball, playing it forward,” said the 22-year-old.
“A lot of things used to be said about me, but it was all exaggeration. It is about setting your goals. You cannot drink, smoke and womanise if you want to succeed in football. At the end of the season, I want to be on another level.”
No Malawian player has effortlessly found their feet in South Africa in their debut season. Mzava revealed in a separate interview that he and Maduka sat down Gabadinho to help him shake off the nerves and make him feel at home.
“I am happy for him. He is lifting us up. If he continues on this path, he will go places. I told him that there was no need to feel lonely and be shy. I told him John and I, are there to make him feel at home,” explained Mzava who is working his way back to fitness after an injury lay-off.
