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SABC puts Jabu behind the mic

ON SCREEN: Jabu Mahlangu is a TV soccer analyst. Pic. Mbuzeni Zulu. 04/10/2007. © Sowetan. Jabu Mahlangu. Sunday World. 06/01/2008. Pg 16
ON SCREEN: Jabu Mahlangu is a TV soccer analyst. Pic. Mbuzeni Zulu. 04/10/2007. © Sowetan. Jabu Mahlangu. Sunday World. 06/01/2008. Pg 16

Ntwaagae Seleka

Ntwaagae Seleka

Controversial soccer wizard Jabu Mahlangu is back on South Africa's television screens.

The SABC has thrown the wayward former Orlando Pirates midfielder a lifeline as a soccer analyst.

Mahlangu, who is also known as Shuffle and Ngwana wa Tshwenya because of his off-the-pitch behaviour, has received a six-month contract from the SABC.

SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the public broadcaster had given Mahlangu a chance to impart his football experience and knowledge.

"Jabu has been on the Laduma soccer programme on SABC1 for a few games and his contract expires next March. It will depend on his performance whether his contract will be renewed," said Kganyago.

Kganyago would not comment on what would happen were the clubless Mahlangu to find a new team. He said part of Mahlangu's job was to provide player analyses and perspectives on players and coaches at half-time.

Kganyago said Mahlangu was expected to work with Deshi Baktawer and Marks Maponyane, who have been regulars with the SABC for some time now.

The former Kaizer Chiefs, Supersport United, Orlando Pirates, Austria's SV Mattersburg and Bafana Bafana player was known for absconding from his clubs, drug and alcohol addiction.

Mahlangu, who has shown interest in music and is expected to release a kwaito album soon, could not be reached for comment.

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