Gabadinho Mhango’s brand is growing in appeal, spreading to South Africa where an international players’ management firm has signed the Big Bullets ace on a three-year contract.
Prosport International, which also manages players in the English Premier League, signed Gabadinho on the 36-month deal on January 21 2013 with the blessings of his guardians, Big Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire confirmed on Monday.
“It is a joint venture between Bullets and Prosport. We want to protect the interests of our club and the player. We asked Patrick Mabedi to help us identify a firm with an international profile in players’ management,” Mkandawire explained.
Prosport will be building Gabadinho’s profile and marketing him to top clubs. No club or agent can sign Gabadinho directly without the involvement of the firm which has branches in the United Kingdom and Greece.
He is arguably the first player to be signed while playing in Malawi.
“We do not have managers in Malawi, hence, we had to approach a firm that would offer guidance and negotiate better deals for our players to avoid having our assets playing for Mvela (SA lower league) teams. We wanted a firm that would analyse the style of our players and see if they can suit the style of potential suitors,” Mkandawire explained.
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contacted Mkandawire after noting that Gabadinho was among Prosport’s clients published on the company’s website.
The firm manages players in Europe and Africa such as Bafana Bafana’s Andile Jali, Thanduyise Khuboni, Siyabonga Nomvethe; English Premier League Fulman FC’s Giogos Karagounis; Germany-based Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona and Zambian Collins Mbesuma.
According to the website, Prosport also manages Gabadinho’s compatriots Moses Chavula and Peter Wadabwa.
Mkandawire said Prosport contacted Gabadinho’s guardians to address issues of his educational needs in preparation for the eventuality that he has signed for a foreign team. The Super League player-of-the-season is in Form Two.
“The truth about reports suggesting that Gabadinho was going to South Africa for trials is that it is this firm which wanted to have a look at him,” added the Bullets publicist.
When contacted on Monday, Gabadinho said Bullets were better placed to comment on the deal.
Prosport, which also manages other athletes in disciplines such as rugby, also brokers sports sponsorship contracts, sports consultancy and marketing.
“Prosport International brings its leadership in sports marketing and management to the global football arena. Combining a passion for sports with broad expertise and worldwide resources, Prosport International assists in excess of 200 players in various parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.
“Undoubtedly, the leading football agency on the African continent, Prosport International uses its excellent relationships with renowned clubs, leagues and federations to increase players’ profiles and revenue,” reads a post on www.prosportinternational.com
