Former South Africa national football team star KatlegoMphela says he feels sorry for Orlando Pirates’Malawian forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango, who has been reduced to a side show at the Buccaneers.

The ex-SuperSport United, MamelodiSundowns and Kaizer Chiefs forward told Kick Off magazine he spoke to Mhango regarding his situation.

Reduced to a side show: Mhango

Said Mphela: “I spoke to him over the phone and asked him what his plan was. He mentioned that he signed a contract before he left [for Africa Cup of Nations finals].

“I could feel that he also wants to leave, but there is nothing he can do because he signed [a new] contract.

“I have been in that situation before when I was at SuperSport United, it’s discouraging, but all you need to do is work hard and hope that you will get your chance.”

He suggested that if the situation continues, then Mhango can force a move elsewhere.

“Because I am sure there are plenty of offers after his display at Afcon.” Said Mphela.

Meanwhile, Pirates co-coach FadluDavids has also played down Mhango’ssidelining just like his colleague MandlaNcikazi, who stated that the player’s performance at Afcon does not guarantee him a place at the club.

Davids was quoted by KickOff.com as having said: “I think this is not the time to get into why this one is not in because there are a lot of players that are not in the squad,”

Mhango was third on the tournament scoring charts with the same number of goals as Sadio Mane while taking The Flames into the knockout stage for the first time, but that has not been enough to earn him game time at Pirates. He has only played less than 150 minutes with no goal this term, but showed flashes of brilliance in Cameroon, which should have put him in firm contention to play at Pirates instead of being left in the heap of those returning from injuries.

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