Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel has confirmed that key attacker Gabadinho Mhango has been sidelined by a long-term injury, a significant blow to the club’s campaign.
The 33-year-old forward joined Richards Bay at the start of the season as a direct replacement for Yanela Mbuthuma, who completed a move to Orlando Pirates.
Since his arrival, Mhango has played an important role in the squad, making 17 appearances across all competitions and contributing four goals.
Speaking on the situation, Gabriel revealed that the Malawian international is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. While the full extent of the injury is still being assessed, the club is yet to confirm how many months Mhango will be out of action.
The striker has already missed the team’s last two matches, and further updates are expected once medical evaluations are completed.
“Gabadinho is still on the injury table, looks like a long-term injury,” said Gabriel.
“We just will be able to confirm going forward how many months.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel welcomed the return of club captain Simphiwe Mcineka, who made his comeback after missing four matches through injury. Mcineka featured in Richards Bay’s Nedbank Cup clash against Siwelele over the weekend.
“Mcineka was injured, he has been training for the last two weeks and in the last week’s matchday squad,” he added.
“He’s getting back into the running and getting back into the field of play.
“Looking good in training. Excited to be back. So we are happy to have him back in the fold.”
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