Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Moroka Swallows assistant coach, Innocent "Ayobayoba" Mayoyo is confident that Jabu Mahlangu will take his rightful place in South African soccer soon.

Mayoyo said this after the naughty Mahlangu joined Swallows at training on Thursday afternoon.

He said all the Swallows players welcomed Mahlangu, including former captain Goodman Mazibuko and they all showed a lot of confidence in the player.

"We're assessing him at the moment and it will be unfair for us to play him before he gets match fit," said Mayoyo. "He is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the country and we have to revive his career."

Mayoyo said the midfield maestro needs to adapt in the Birds' nest and know everybody well.

"I've worked with a number of players such as Junaid Hartley, for a season, even Sandile Ndlovu, I understand such players and I know how to handle them. So I don't think Mahlangu will be a problem for me."

He said people must understand that South African players are different.

"They will always be different from other players from other countries.

"As long as a player is highly gifted or is a genius, such players normally don't listen and they need some people who can understand them well and they also need some mechanisms to help them cope," Mayoyo said.

"I for one don't believe that Mahlangu is a problem child, he may be under pressure, and there might be something that needs to be done for him, but I think he will make it at Swallows."

Swallows' defender Tebogo Monyai said Mahlangu was welcomed as a brother by the players and they hope he will be part of the family at Swallows.

"He's a brother and will probably bring some changes to the club."

Mahlangu has had a tumultuous career at Kaizer Chiefs and also had a stint with SV Mattersburg of Austria. He later played for SuperSport United under Pitso Mosimane.

His last club in the PSL was Orlando Pirates where he fell out of favour and was given a free clearance.