Jabu a mentor to SuperSport youngsters

Jabu Mahlangu - formerly Jabu Pule - is not looking a comeback for now.

Jabu Mahlangu - formerly Jabu Pule - is not looking a comeback for now.

Published Nov 21, 2013

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Pretoria – Although Jabu Mahlangu is training with SuperSport United, talk of a comeback is far fetched.

Mahlangu, a star who had a glittering career scuppered by much publicised off-field antics, has been given the role of club ambassador by Matsatsantsa a Pitori. SuperSport general manager Sterward Masela has confirmed that Mahlangu, who turned out for the Tshwane side years ago, is helping the club to dribble their way into the hearts of supporters.

“Jabu is the ambassador of the club. His roles include building the brand profile of the club. He also does recruitment of fans. Then, too, he helps to mentor young players at the academy by sharing his experiences. We chose him and other former players like Peter Khobane,” said Masela.

“Jabu trains with the team because the coach values his experience. A lot of players look up to him. Jabu went through the development ranks at Kaizer Chiefs. When he talks he knows what he is talking about. He is more mature now and a good guy.”

For Mahlangu a comeback may not be ruled out entirely as those in the know say he is keen to return to competitive football. Masela says the focus now is on Mahlangu helping the team in a variety of off-field activities.

“At the moment we are not looking at him making a comeback, but more at his role as an ambassador of the club. He has been brilliant with the fans,” said Masela.

SuperSport have been inundated with queries concerning Mahlangu, but this weekend they will deal with yet another daunting task when they clash with Orlando Pirates in the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout.

Pirates, who played in the finals of the CAF Champions League earlier this month, have been in superb form and SuperSport will have to be at their best to get to the final.

“Pirates have been playing in the Champions League so they will use the experience they got from that. They have reached two finals this season. It shows the level of the quality they have in the team.,” said David Mathebula, whose team host Pirates at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates’s defence has been excellent in all their performances and Mathebula knows it will take something special to break their back four.

“Every player has to be at his best. Whichever side is more aggressive will win the game,” said Mathebula. “We have a lot of individual brilliance and when the collective effort doesn’t work, those players have to come up with something and I believe we have that in our team.”

SuperSport coach Cavin Johnson will look to Mathedula to instigate things for the three times PSL champions. The player says having responsibility motivates him.

“It brings the best out of me and it helps me to improve. Once people start to expect something from you, it means you are doing well and you must keep doing what you have been doing. I must continue,” said Mathebula, who added that SuperSport were deserving of some silverware.

“This is a team of champions so we must reach the final. We have a good coach and good players and I believe we can reach the final. It would be good for the team and the supporters.”

Pretoria News

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