Malawian forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango’s future at South Africa’s Premiership side Marumo Gallants is in doubt after the striker dragged the side to court over unpaid image rights amounting to 800,000 Rands (about K79 million).
According to sundayworld.co.za, Mhango and Gallants are embroiled in a bitter legal battle over his image rights, with the club issuing what is believed to be threats to expel him from the team over the matter.
“Mhango is demanding more than R800,000 plus interest from the club for exploiting his image rights to promote, market and advertise the fixtures of the team on social media platforms ahead of its matches,” the article reads.
Mhango told sundayworld.co.za that he believes the court would give him the relief he seeks after the PSL [Premier Soccer League) national dispute resolution committee refused to hear his case on February 14, 2025, when it said he should take the legal route because it did not have jurisdiction to preside over the case.
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According to the publication, the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets attacker said he, as a professional footballer, enjoys the benefit of commercially exploiting his image and signature rights, which include the use of his name, photograph, reputation, signature, initials, nickname and voice.
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Gabadinho could not be reached for a comment but his manager, Michael Makaab, indirectly confirmed the development.
“There is no need to comment; he is owed money,” Makaab said.
The former Orlando Pirates striker told the South African publication that he had granted his agency, Prosport, which is owned by Michael Makaab, the exclusive and sole mandate to use, sell or otherwise trade in his image and signature rights.
Mhango, who has played for Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Bidvest Wits and Amazulu, told the publication that the use of his image and signature rights by Prosport includes entering into any contract, including, but not limited to, licencing, sponsorship and advertising contracts, as well as contracts with football clubs involving the “sell-on” of the said rights by the agency to such football clubs for value.
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The 2020 Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award joint winner further said that when he joined Swallows, the agency concluded a contract with the club—after agreeing to purchase the rights to use his image and signature as a footballer of the club—for a total of R828 000.
According to the publication, Prosport ceded Mhango’s image rights on August 29 last year.
Former Flames midfielder Chimango Kayira said it was a complicated issue and that Gabadinho’s future at Gallants was in doubt.
“It is a very delicate case but if Marumo Gallants and Gaba did not have any agreement as far as image rights are concerned, then it will be bad for the team because they will have to pay him up.
“It also speaks volumes of the relationship between the player and the team. Suing your employer means Gaba is not going to play there anymore. He is going to change teams. This issue plainly tells us how the future looks like for Gaba,” Kayira said.
