The future of striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango with the Malawi National Football Team hangs in the balance following his latest exclusion from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers squad.
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi has left Gabadinho out of the squad that is expected to face Burundi and Burkina Faso in Group L matches.
When asked about his reaction after being overlooked again, Gabadinho said he had nothing to say.
“I do not have anything to say about the national team,” the Moroka Swallows forward said.
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When further asked about his continued omission from the squad, the former Orlando Pirates forward gave a short answer which suggested that his time with the Flames might be over.
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“I think I am done with [the] national team,” the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets attacker said.
Gabadinho last played for the Flames against Zambia in a 2-1 defeat during the Four Nations Tournament at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in March this year.
Meanwhile, Mabedi, at a press briefing on Friday, insisted that he had no grudge with the player.
He said time had come for the country to focus on youths and move on.
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“I do not have any grudge against Gaba. I am the one who helped him secure a club in South Africa when he was without a team. Gaba has done his part and it is time to give youngsters a chance,” Mabedi said.
Weighing in on the issue, former Flames midfielder Sherry Msuku bemoaned Gabadinho’s continued exclusion from the senior squad.
“It is very unfortunate that Gabadinho is still not part of the team. I was of the idea that we badly needed experience against Burundi and Burkina Faso. Maybe let us not judge him [Mabedi]. Maybe he knows better than us, in terms of what he is doing,” Msuku said.
The Flames will host Burundi in the opening match of Group L at BNS on Thursday, September 5, and then travel to Ouagadougou to face Burkina Faso on Monday, September 9.
