Malawi international and former Orlando Pirates attacker Gabadinho Mhango has sued his team Marumo Gallants for what he terms as illegal use of images for advertising, marketing and promotion on social media platforms which he says was against the contract.
“Mhango is demanding more than R800 000 plus interest from the club for exploiting his image rights to promote, market and advertise the fixtures of the team on social media platforms ahead of its matches,” part of the report by the Sunday World read.
“News of Mhango and Gallants’ image rights dispute came to the fore when the fast-footed striker took his club to the Johannesburg High Court, where he seeks an order to force the team to pay him the quantum.
“Mhango said he believes the court would give him the relief he seeks after the PSL’s national dispute resolution committee refused to hear his case on February 14, saying he should take the legal route because it did not have jurisdiction to preside over the case,” they added.
Mhango's contract belongs to Prosport
According to the 32-year-old, Mike Makaab's Prosport have the ‘exclusive and sole mandate' to use his image and signature rights, and not Gallants.
“He said the use of his image and signature rights by Prosport includes 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,” the aforementioned publication further reported.
“Swallows, he stated, agreed to purchase the rights to use his image and signature as a footballer of the club for a total of R828 000,” they concluded.
Mhango joined Gallants from a now-defunct Moroka Swallows at the beginning of the 2024/25 season. He has since played 20 Premier Soccer League matches, scoring five goals in the process.
