Free-agent Gabadinho Mhango demands almost R1 million in battle relating to Orlando Pirates & Marumo Gallants issue as former Kaizer Chiefs transfer target edges closer to joining new PSL club

Former Orlando Pirates forward Gabadinho Mhango and Premier Soccer League side Marumo Gallants are embroiled in a bitter legal battle over the player's image rights.

According to Sunday World, the Malawian is demanding more than R800,000 plus interest from the club for what he believes is an exploitation of his image rights.

Mhango argues that Marumo Gallants used his image to market and advertise its fixtures on social media. He has moved to the High Court in Johannesburg and sought orders to pay him the quantum. 

The forward decided to seek court intervention after the PSL’s national dispute resolution committee refused to hear his case early this year.

According to court papers as per Sunday World, Mhango says as a professional footballer, he enjoys the benefit of commercial exploitation of his image and signature rights, which include the use of his name, photograph, reputation, signature, initials, nickname, and voice. 

Mhango argues that his agency, Prosport, enjoys the exclusive and sole mandate to use, sell, or otherwise trade in his image and signature rights. 

The Malawian further said that Prosport enjoys all the image rights, including entering into any contracts, including, but not limited to, licensing, sponsorship, and advertising contracts, as well as contracts with football clubs involving the “sell-on” of the said rights by the agency to such football clubs for value. 

He further states that when he joined Swallows, Prosport concluded a contract with the club. The club also agreed to purchase the rights to use his image and signature as a footballer of the club for a total of R828,000. 

On August 29, 2024, Mhango says Prosport ceded his image rights to him, and he therefore believes any rights of Prosport in terms of the image and signature rights contract are now for his benefit.

He argues that Gallants have refused to pay him despite using his image.

“On December 5, 2023, the club used an image of me in club regalia to promote its fixture against Orlando Pirates Football Club," he argues as quoted by Sunday World.

"On September 13, 2024, the club shared a video on its Instagram social media page of an interview conducted with me in which I share my views on an upcoming fixture and wearing the club’s jersey."

"On March 14, 2025, the club shared an image of the team sheet, which reflects my name in the starting line-up as number 7 to promote the upcoming fixture,” he stated. 

“Notwithstanding the aforesaid use of my image and signature rights by the club, it has breached the image and signature rights contract by not making payment of any of the instalment amounts outlined in the contract.” 

The Premier League side, through its lawyers, Botha Massyn & Thobejane Associated Attorneys, responded to the demands by Mhango.

“The club merely indicates that the cession of the image and signature rights does not alter the applicant being employed as a footballer for the club, and that should the applicant fail to provide his services as a footballer, he shall bear the harsh consequences of his unlawful action," the law firm said, as per Sunday World. 

"The club makes no mention of the money it owes in respect of the image and signature rights contract but responds with a threat relating to the football contract, which is a separate matter,” it stated. 

Mhango has been reportedly linked to Kaizer Chiefs, although other reports indicate that Richards Bay are closer to signing the Malawian.

The former Pirates star has been part of Marumo Gallants, who bought the Moroka Swallows franchise, since the current season began and is reportedly on his way out.

He experienced limited minutes towards the end of the season, as he started once and came on as a substitute in another game in seven PSL matches.

As he is a free agent now, his next destination will be a subject of interest, particularly to Chiefs fans since he has been linked with the club.

Given that he has previously played for Pirates, a move to Naturena could be an interesting subject.