Dan Malesela comments on Gabadinho Mhango incident

A video surfaced on social media earlier this month of the Malawian international appearing intoxicated, with blood on his face, following an alleged car accident in Bloemfontein, where the team is now based. 

Malesela confirmed Gallants were still gathering the facts before making any public statements about what has been reported, but one thing the coach was adamant about was that Mhango remained an integral part of his squad. 

“He is still very much an important player. If he has made a mistake, we must understand that we are human,” Malesela told SABC Sport.

“I don’t want to speculate, the club is dealing with some issues regarding Mhango, not the [reported] incident. You can’t be going on hearsay, let the right people, the relevant people, deal with whatever disciplinary measure, if there is any.”

Mhango was present at the Toyota Stadium on Sunday, when Gallants played Kaizer Chiefs in the CUFA Cup, but was not part of the matchday squad. 

This would suggest that, while the investigation is ongoing, the player continues to report for duty and training, and Malesela is hoping for a quick resolution. 

“I focus on the playing part, and I hope there isn’t anything as massive as it’s made out to be. The player needs to play,” the coach concluded. 

Gallants return to action in the Carling Knockout this weekend, when they will face Polokwane City in the opening round at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

READ: Ex-Swallows employees take Marumo Gallants to PSL DRC