Wa Ganyu

Malawi National Team coach Patrick Mabedi keeps side-lining Moroca Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango despite calls from former players to bring him back.

Mabedi has just released his 28-member squad to go in camp preparing for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations against Burundi and Burkina Faso on September 5 and 10 respectively.

Answering questions from a Wa Ganyu journalist, Mabedi said Mhango will not be included because as a coach he only focuses on players that will fit in his system.

Mabedi urged Malawians to accept his decision on Mhango and move forward as he has brought players which will deliver.

He said: “Have known Gaba for a long time, even when he left his last team in AmaZulu, I was the one who facilitated his move to Swallows. He is my son. We don’t need to mix sugar with salt, I have nothing against Gaba.

“Currently we need to understand, if I was bitter with Gaba, I could not call him during the 4 nations tournament. There is nothing wrong between me and Gaba.

“We need to understand the way we play, is he fitting to our system? I don’t mind if the player is enjoying game time but is he fitting?” explained Mabedi.

Minus Mhango, Mabedi will bank on Kamuzu Barracks striker Zeliat Nkhoma, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers striker Gaddie Chirwa, Zanaco striker Chawanangwa Kaonga and Power Dynamos striker Chifundo Mphasi.