I understand my exclusion—Gaba

South Africa-based forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango says he understands that his exclusion from the Flames ahead of the last Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers is due to his lack of game time.

The Orlando Pirates striker has been dropped from the squad that will face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions this Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa and Mozambique’s Mambas three days later.

Mhango said: “Things happened and I appreciate the decision. Actually, it’s part of a lesson that I need to do more and work harder.

“Ï understand them because I am not playing. But I am working hard and doing the best I can and perhaps they still should have given me the benefit of the doubt.

“Otherwise, I am good and I won’t look back. I just want to wish the team all the best.”

The 28-year-old has not featured for Pirates in the past nine matches, including Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs amid speculation that his absence was linked to his recent off-field controversy splashed in South African tabloids.

But in an interview last week, the Flames striker said he was injured and had just resumed full-scale training.

Mhango, who won the South African top-flight league Golden Boot Award in the 2019 season, last played for Pirates on August 24.

This is the first time he has been left out of the Flames squad based on performance.

Justifying Mhango’s exclusion in an interview with our sister newspaper Nation on Sunday, Flames coach Meck Mwase said: “We want him to reflect on his performance and concentrate on his club commitments. Otherwise, he is still in our plans for 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals.” n