Flames stars stumble in South Africa
By Williams Gondwa
South Africa-based Malawi National Football Team players had a weekend to forget after registering defeats during DStv Premiership games.
Orlando Pirates- Flames forward Gabadinho Mhango saw his side lose 2-0 to rejuvenated Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
Mhango was drafted into Pirates’ starting lineup together with Deon Hotto but the pair failed to find the back of the net as Innocent Maela scored an own goal before Roderick Kabwe scored the second goal for Leopards.
The former Nyasa Big Bullets attacker said it was unfortunate that he did not help Pirates win the match.
“It was a painful result as we are still struggling to break into the top four this season. We had a good game but we failed to utilise the chances we had. The season is still on and I will definitely try to win and keep on dreaming that we can compete for the league title,” said Mhango who scored during Pirates’ 3-0 win over Tshakhuma FC last week to take his tally for the season to two goals.
Following the loss, Pirates remain fifth on the table with 17 points.
In another match, Malawi duo Richard Mbulu and Gerald Phiri Jnr could not help Baroka FC as the side lost 1-0 to high-flying Swallows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Mbulu capped his return from an injury with a loss despite starting the game while Phiri Jnr was an unused substitute.
This was a second successive loss after Baroka also lost 2-0 to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns last week.
Mbulu has registered four goals this season after struggling during his debut season, when he failed to score a goal.
There was no joy for another Malawian as Limbikani Mzava’s AmaZulu suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in a midweek fixture.
In the National First Division, Khuda Muyaba and Chembezi Denis’ Polokwane City lost 2-1 to Pretoria Callies at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Polokwane are seventh on the table with 11 points.
Still in the NFD, on-and-off Flames striker Chawanangwa Kaonga’s TS Sporting were held to a goalless draw by Richards Bay at Richards Bay Stadium on Sunday to remain on position eight with 10 points.
