Mhango Defends Veteran Players’ Value in Modern Football

Richards Bay forward Gabadinho Mhango has hit back at critics who dismiss older players, insisting that footballers in their 30s bring a level of maturity and professionalism that younger players cannot match.

The 33-year-old striker’s comments come after his controversial exclusion from the national team under former coach Patrick Mabedi, who sidelined him during World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, citing a desire to build a younger squad.

Mabedi’s strategy backfired spectacularly. After failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and recording poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he was sacked. His replacement, Kalisto Pasuwa, immediately recalled Mhango, made him captain, and the veteran has since become one of the team’s most influential players.

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Speaking as a pundit during SuperSport’s coverage of the Gabon-Mozambique match on Sunday, Mhango delivered a passionate defense of veteran players.

“Age is just a number. It’s about the services you give to the team and how you help them,” he said. “In Africa, when you turn 30, they say you’re finished. But in Europe, that’s when you become a real footballer.

“At 30, you become more experienced, more mature. Look at Elias Gaspar Pelembe – Mozambique’s captain is 42 but has the body of a 16-year-old.

“In your 20s, you play football for fun. But when you reach your 30s, you play for business. The fun is over. It’s business now because you’re approaching the end of your career.”

Sunday’s match proved his point. Mozambique started with the 42-year-old Pelembe, who played 64 minutes, and 37-year-old Mexer. Gabon countered with a veteran-laden lineup: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (36) scored in the match, while Dennis Bouanga (31), Bruno Manga (37), André Poko (32), and Didier Ndong (31) all featured.

Since his recall to the Flames, Mhango has been outstanding for Malawi, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His performances have vindicated Pasuwa’s decision to bring experience back into the squad.

The striker now has 20 international goals, making him Malawi’s eighth all-time top scorer. Only seven players have scored more: Kinah Phiri (71), Lawrence Waya (28), Frank Sinalo (28), Stock Dandize (23), the late Yasin Ousman (22), Essau Kanyenda (22), and Chiukepo Msowoya (22).

With 73 caps, Mhango has also climbed to 21st on Malawi’s all-time appearances list, overtaking both Kanyenda and Davie Banda (72 caps each).