Mhango holds niche Absa Premiership record

Orlando Pirates forward Gabadinho Mhango has emerged as the leading scorer in the Absa Premiership this season with 14 goals, but the Malawi international also holds a more obscure accolade in the top-flight.

Mhango has been the most effective goalscorer off the bench in South Africa’s elite league over the last 10 seasons, netting 12 times in the 40 occasions he has entered into a game.

He had racked up that record playing for Bloemfontein Celtic, Lamontville Golden Arrows, BidVest Wits and now Pirates.

He has 48 Premiership goals in total in his 132 appearances, meaning a quarter of those have been scored off the bench.

Two more players are also on 12 goals as substitutes, but it has taken them considerably longer to get there.

Maritzburg United striker Judas Moseamedi has 12 goals from 66 substitute appearances, while veteran AmaZulu forward Lehlohonolo Majoro has also netted a dozen times, but from 82 showings off the bench.

Of the players just behind them, Gift Motupa has scored nine times from 41 games as a substitute.