Pasuwa challenges senior players to fill Mhango’s leadership roles against Eq. Guinea

Flames Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has admitted that the team will miss the services of captain Gabadinho Mhango when they host Equatorial Guinea on Thursday evening at Bingu National Stadium in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Malawi National Team skipper will be on the sidelines serving a one-game suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the previous two games against Namibia and Liberia.

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Speaking ahead of the game, Pasuwa said Mhango has always been instrumental in lifting the team when challenges arise on the field of play, but has asked the senior players to fill the void.

“I have always been preaching that the captain gives us a helping hand, and you can see that when any problem happens on the field of play, he groups the players, talks to them, and we proceed,” Pasuwa explained.

“In this case, yes, we will miss Gabadinho Mhango, but we have other senior players in the squad who will take over and see how we go.”

Mhango has become a key figure again for the National Team after falling out of the pecking order under Patrick Mabedi, who was fired last year. He scored two goals in two games in October.

The captain said he remains committed to supporting the team despite being unable to take the field.

“I don’t feel like I’m not part of the team just because I won’t play this game. When you are a group, we are together. I’m not going to be on the pitch, but I will be part of the team,” Mhango said.

“In football, everybody is a captain—you just choose who is going to wear the armband. Being part of the Malawi National Team for such a long time, I’m proud. I’m happy for the support that I have been receiving. I’m grateful to the team.”