Gabadinho Mhango Opens Up About The Missed Move To Kaizer Chiefs

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

A former Orlando Pirates player, Gabadinho Mhango, shares the inside story of why he didn’t join Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer during the summer of the 2023-24 season.
The Malawian international spent three seasons with Orlando Pirates before moving to AmaZulu. He reveals his disappointment after all the necessary steps were taken but the move to Amakhosi fell through.
Mhango also confirms that he eventually opted for a move to another Premier Soccer League side, Marumo Gallants, after his contract with AmaZulu ended.

Former Orlando Pirates star Gabadinho Mhango has opened up about the unexpected turn of events that left him on the sidelines when it came to joining Kaizer Chiefs at the start of last season. The story behind the failed transfer is filled with twists and turns that many fans may not have been aware of.

Mhango, who spent three memorable seasons with Orlando Pirates between 2019 and 2022, left the club and signed with AmaZulu. When his contract with AmaZulu ended, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for him to move to Kaizer Chiefs. But, as fate would have it, the deal didn’t go through, and instead, he joined Moroka Swallows before eventually landing at Marumo Gallants.

Gabadinho Mhango in action during the Premier League football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. Photo: Phill Magakoe. Source: Getty Images

What Went Wrong? Mhango Explains the Failed Move

In a candid interview with FARPost, as reported by Afrik-Foot, Mhango provided an in-depth look into what happened with his potential transfer to Kaizer Chiefs last season. The Glamour Boys were actively looking for a new forward to bolster their attacking lineup ahead of the 2023-24 season, and Mhango was one of their top targets.

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But things didn’t go as planned. Mhango recounted the details, sharing how close he actually came to signing with Kaizer Chiefs. “It wasn’t just talk; I was about to join Kaizer Chiefs, and then things turned around. Up to now, I can’t really explain what happened that made the deal go off,” he said in the interview.

“What I could remember is that I was at AmaZulu FC, and I actually traveled from Durban to Johannesburg to finalize the move. I was genuinely excited that I was going to join a club like Kaizer Chiefs, but then things happened. It was frustrating, to say the least.”

Mhango expressed his initial excitement about the move, only to be let down when the deal fell through. Despite the disappointment, he emphasized his enduring love for the game and the club he ended up joining. “I was looking forward, but at the end of the day, I was disappointed as it failed to happen. However, I love the game, and the place where I ended up,” he added.

Where Does Mhango Stand Now?

Currently, the Malawian forward is playing with Marumo Gallants, a newly-promoted side in the Premier Soccer League. Even though the move to Kaizer Chiefs didn’t work out, Mhango is making the most of his time with Marumo Gallants. This season, he has already made 14 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His contributions have been vital for the team as they navigate their first season in the top flight.

Legendary Referee Weighs In on Pirates Penalty Incident

In related news, a former Premier Soccer League referee recently weighed in on the controversial penalty decision that handed Orlando Pirates a victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby. The penalty incident was the talk of the town, as the game was heading towards a goalless draw before the referee pointed to the spot.

The former South African referee, who remains anonymous, went through the football rules governing such incidents and explained how the match official followed the correct protocol. His explanation aimed to clarify the decision-making process for fans who were left questioning the call.