Orlando Pirates news: Mhango eyes PSL goal-scoring record

Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango believes the long-standing PSL goal-scoring record is not too far out of reach, following his rich vein of form in recent weeks.

The Malawian marksman has been on target in each of his last three matches for the Soweto Giants, notching up in impressive six goals in this period to top the league scoring charts with ten in total in just 14 league games.

Collins Mbesuma record under threat?

Some way off on the horizon is the 15-year-old record held by former Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma, who netted 25 league goals during the 2004/05 season to bag the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot named after the late Pirates marksman.

Mhango believes equalling – or even bettering – the former Zambian international’s remarkable feat is within the realms of possibility.

“It’s possible to do that, we just have to continue working as a team,” Mhango told the media on Monday.

“I just need extra training for myself. Actually, when I’m home, I do some finishing with my younger brother. “So, I think it’s something that can help me achieve that.” 

Gabadinho Mhango

Personal milestone already in the bag for Pirates striker

Mhango has a chance to add to his tally on Wednesday when Pirates welcome defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns to Orlando Stadium.

Should he maintain his position at the top of the goal-scorers’ chart through the remainder of the season, he will be the first Malawian to claim the Golden Boot, adding to a list dominated by South African players.

Already, the 27-year-old has broken a personal record, with his ten goals achieved midway through the season his biggest haul since arriving in the country in 2013.

Most goals in a single PSL season

In bagging 25 goals in his debut PSL season, Mbesuma broke the record set by Zimbabwean marksman Wilfred Mugeyi, who netted 22 times for the Eastern Cape-based Bush Bucks in the league’s inaugural season ending in 1997.

Other players to cross the elusive 20-goal mark include ex-Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya, who did so in the 1998/99 campaign, while Siyabonga Nomvethe was the last to achieve the feat, when he turned out for Moroka Swallows in 2011/12.

Manyathela, who the Golden Boot was named after, grabbed 18 goals before his untimely death in August 2003, and remains the last Pirates player to scoop up the accolade.

The award was last won by Black Leopards’ Mwape Musonda, who scored 16 times in the 2018/19 season.