Gabadinho Mhango named Flames Captain, replaces John Banda

Richards Bay striker Gabadinho Mhango has been officially appointed as the new captain of the Malawi national team, replacing John Banda who announced his retirement plans after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

John Banda, who inherited the armband from Limbikani Mzava, has not been called up for national duty since reportedly falling out with Assistant Coach Peter Mponda during the World Cup qualifier against Tunisia. His absence from the squad has left uncertainty around his international future.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

During Banda’s absence, Mhango has already been wearing the captain’s armband, leading the team in recent matches against Namibia and Liberia. With Banda’s return remaining uncertain after he last played against Tunisia earlier this year, the Football Association of Malawi has made Mhango’s captaincy official.

The FAM confirmed Mhango’s appointment, with competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka stating that head coach Kalisto Pasuwa selected him as the substantive captain.

Assistant Coach Peter Mponda, himself a former Flames captain during his playing days, praised the appointment: “He is a fighter, he gives everything to the team. He motivates his teammates despite being a senior player and his status.”

Mhango now joins an impressive list of former Flames captains including Jack Chamangwana, Young Chimodzi, John Dzimbiri, Chancy Gondwe, Patrick Mabedi, John Maduka, Meke Mwase, James Sangala, Peter Mponda, Joseph Kamwendo, Limbikani Mzava, and John Banda.

Speaking about his appointment, the Richards Bay FC striker expressed his honor: “Being captain comes with the responsibility of leading the team, and it’s a great honor to have joined the list of great players. But having said that, everyone is a captain – we all have responsibility, and I’m thankful for the support I’m getting from my fellow senior players.”

Mhango has backed up his leadership appointment with impressive performances. He scored a spectacular goal in Malawi’s 2-1 victory over Namibia in Botswana last Friday, then found the net again against Liberia on Monday before assisting Chawanangwa Kaonga for the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw.

The former Orlando Pirates striker has also made history by surpassing legend Peterkins Kayira’s goal-scoring record for the Malawi national team. After being tied with Kayira on 18 goals before the recent matches, Mhango’s two goals against Namibia and Liberia have lifted him to 20 international goals.

Kayira, who scored 18 goals in 68 appearances from 1983 to 1989, was one of Malawi’s football legends. Mhango now sits as the 8th highest scorer in the country’s history.

Mhango’s international career appeared uncertain under previous head coach Patrick Mabedi, but he has experienced a remarkable revival under Kalisto Pasuwa’s leadership. In his last five appearances under Pasuwa, he has scored three goals and provided one assist, demonstrating renewed confidence and form.

The striker is now just two goals away from matching the tallies of late Yasin Ousman and prolific scorers Essau Kanyenda and Chiukepo Msowoya, who each netted 22 goals during their international careers. He will be hoping to reach this milestone when Malawi face Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé next month in the World Cup qualifiers.

The all-time scoring leaders ahead of Mhango are Kinah Phiri (71 goals), Lawrence Waya (28), Frank Sinalo (28), Stock Dandize (23), and the trio of Ousman, Kanyenda, and Msowoya with 22 goals each.

Mhango has also climbed to 21st place on the list of most-capped players with 73 appearances, surpassing both Essau Kanyenda and Davie Banda, who have 72 caps each.