Kickoff (Cape Town)
4 August 2008
Just one game for his new Swedish club and Jabu Mahlangu is already making news.
Playing for First Division club Osters IF, Mahlangu was man-of-the-match as he helped the team to a 2-1 victory over Skovde IK yesterday.
His coach Fredrik Gustafson said the South African midfield magician is 'top division material' after the former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs reject sprayed hair-splitting passes around.
Mahlangu, who initially went to Swedish giants Helsingborg, has been loaned out to Osters on a one-year deal.
Another South African, defender 'Skuru' Mandla, who was also sent to Helsingborg on trial from Farouk Khan's Academy, has been taken on as well. However, Mandla, who was also in Sweden at Ramlosa last season, did not play for Osters at the weekend.
Mahlangu played behind the strikers throughout the match and also hit the crossbar in the 44th minute.
Jabu's ability to hold onto the ball and switch the direction of play earned praise from the coach, who said on the club's website that had his forwards been able to capitalise on Mahlangu's accurate passes, they could have added a further four goals to their tally.
"Jabu is a very offensive player who always looks to follow up in the attacks and into the penalty area," Gustafson added.
The coach said Mandla was also a versatile player who could be used in defence or the midfield.
"We have also signed him as we want to tighten out defence."
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