Orlando Pirates and Malawi striker Gabadinho Mhango is good enough to play in top European leagues if he can bring consistency to his game, according to respected journalist Peter Kanjere.

Mhango was a revelation at the Africa Cup of Nations and his strike against Morocco in the round of 16 is a strong contender for Goal of the Tournament.

Kanjere, who has watched the forward since he was 15, says it is vindication of the player’s abilities, even if it has come late in his career.

“I have covered Gabadinho Mhango since he was 15 years old and playing in the second-tier of Malawian football with Gerald Phiri Jnr at Brave Warriors. That boy … I remember he came off the bench in the second half of a game and scored four goals,” Kanjere tells The COSAFA Show.

“The goal he scored against Morocco, I have seen that same type of strike from Mhango when he was playing in Malawi. So I am not surprised because he is a boy for the big occasion. He turns up when it matters.

“In terms of the skill, work-rate and football intelligence, he should be at a world-class level. But I think he is oftentimes betrayed by his temperament and consistency.

“What he has shown in the last few games is the Mhango that we knew before he left Malawi. But maybe because he has not been through the developmental stages, he is not consistent.

“Unfortunately this is happening when he is at the age of 29. I wish he went to Afcon when he was 23 because I believe, on his day, he is unplayable and good enough for teams in top European leagues.”

Also on this edition of the podcast, we get the views of respected French journalist Frank Simon on how the COSAFA nations fared in Cameroon, and hear an inspirational speech from Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu.