Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids has hit back at constant questions over Gabadinho Mhango’s continued absence from the team, insisting the striker has a lot of competition while also hinting at unprofessional behaviour.
The Sea Robbers were struggling to get their strikers fit at the start of the season but they have almost simultaneously returned from injury, leaving the Pirates coaching staff with a selection headache up front.
Many thought that Mhango would walk back into the team following his starring performances at the Africa Cup of Nations for Malawi, where he scored three goals including some stunners.
However, he has been constantly omitted since his return with the Pirates coaching staff having to fend numerous questions about this.
Speaking to the media in the buildup to Pirates’ Nedbank Cup tie against Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, Davids has now hinted at unprofessionalism from the striker.
“No, I don’t think it’s fair to talk about Gabadinho Mhango again, in relation to our strikers,” Davids said.
“And you talk about Radiopane, Mabasa, Mhango, Dzvukamanja, Lepasa and Peprah.
“At the moment, Peprah has scored in the last match and it’s healthy competition. Lepasa, has done well whenever he has come on. Dzvukamanja in the last second of the derby should have scored. Mhango, Radiopane, Mabasa are working extremely hard to push and get themselves not only into the team but the starting lineup.
“And, like I said last week, it’s up to us coaches to try to find a way. Now suddenly where we have six strikers available, is it a moment to change and have two strikers in and four out?
“Those are the things we’re trying to work on to find which is the best chemistry in terms of is it two strikers, what type of strikers; do you want one who can hold up and one more mobile, one dropping into the pockets, one who shoots from distance?”
“In relation to team selection there are various aspects you look at. First, are you coming to training? Are you punctual in relation to being at training, and not having disciplinary issues that take you out of training?” added the coach.
“Tick the first box. Then it’s in relation to your performance in training. How you exert yourself in training, how you perform.
“And then trying to find the right balance in the lineup. And coming back to my first point, that is about us finding the right possibilities now that we suddenly have [six strikers].
“In the first round we did not have Gabadinho Mhango, Mabasa was struggling with injuries, Lepasa was not available, Peprah was adapting to the SA game in relation to the physicality and style. Radiopane is having his first season in the PSL, and we’re integrating him in certain matches and seeing the huge potential he has.
“And now taking a step back, with him still training with us, still improving still fighting for a place, and then playing minutes in the DDC [reserve team] when he’s not in the senior squad, and scoring 17 goals.
“So, each player has their role to play. And it’s about us finding that moment and chemistry, whether it’s with two strikers, or one striker and three No 10s, or three running beyond the striker.
“But we need all our players, not just our strikers to chip in. We have [right wing back Bandile] Shandu as our top-scorer with six goals, Deon Hotto on the other side, Peprah who’s now also on six goals.”
