Real estate company Hills and Associates Limited has given Flames forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango a plot worth over K4.5 million in Lilongwe for his outstanding performance in Malawi’s 2-1 win over Zimbabwe at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon on Friday. The move has met mixed reaction with many thinking the firm just want to capitalise on Gaba fame, while others have questioned the rationale of just donating to one person instead of the whole team.
The company’s head of sales and marketing Brian Chikuse said they have also offered 40 percent discount on any plot to other Flames players upon their return from the continental showpiece “We will also offer 30 percent discount to any individual or company, willing to buy a plot as a gift to any Flames player,” he said.
Mhango scored a brace in the Flames’ Group B clash against the Warriors to keep alive Malawi’s hopes of progressing to the Afcon knockout stages and Chikuse said the exceptional feat needed to be recognised in a special way.
“Yes, we have actually gifted him [Mhango] a 20m X 30m plot valued at K4.5 million at New Airwing in appreciation of his exceptional performance that saw Malawi beat Zimbabwe at Afcon,” he said.
“Besides, we have offered discounts to the other Flames players. They deserve to be honoured for the gallant fight on the continental stage.”
Mhango was not available for comment on Sunday but, on his and Flames behalf, Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu on Sunday said he was particularly impressed with the significance of the donation as it is a valuable investment for the future.
“It’s touching to see fellow Malawians rallying behind the Flames through such donations. I am particularly impressed with the significance of the donation because it is a valuable investment for his future,” he said.
“This is a sound motivation to Gaba and the Flames to go the extra mile in the remaining games. He deserves such a gift, having scored a brace against Zimbabwe, which earned the Flames the vital three points.”
Nyamilandu also wrote on his Twitter handle about the development: “This is highly commendable. It’s a good gesture towards a noble cause to a star performer of this generation. I am amazed by such rare generosity. Gaba is extremely thrilled and grateful. God bless your good heart.”
