JABU Mahlangu might have carved himself a reputation as a problem child but to Platinum Stars he is number one.

JABU Mahlangu might have carved himself a reputation as a problem child but to Platinum Stars he is number one.

Not only has Mahlangu been reinstated at Stars, a month after his contract had been terminated, but his stay with the Tycoons has been extended for a year.

And this move has been endorsed at the highest level, with Stars chairperson George Khunou stating he had been "very happy" to learn about this development.

Khunou further said that though he had not been part of the talks to retain the player, the contract extension is in Mahlangu's interest because the player needs a coach of Steve Komphela's calibre to build him.

"I left it with the team to resolve. In my view credit must go to Steve for the good work that he has done in bringing both Jabu and OJ Mabizela back into the fold," Khunou said.

"Steve is not only technically building the team, but also working on the morale."

Khunou dismissed suggestions that the move might unsettle the rest of the team.

"The mentality that other players are unable to distinguish between dire situations is incorrect. The players realise that in a team, we should accommodate others when they have a problem. This is not to say they are being treated with kid gloves, it is just that some day it might be you," Khunou said.

Komphela said Mahlangu's talent was the only thing that should be under scrutiny.

"I have resolved not to keep singling out people based on their past indiscretions. We have shown our faith in this player because he has been working really hard trying to fit into the structure and this has to be commended.

"I am very confident that we will not regret our association with him," he said.