Langerman ‘is moving forward’

DOWNS rightback Ramahlwe Mphahlele and coach Pitso Mosimane yesterday slammed views that one of their own had become a bad player overnight following costly mistakes in their MTN8 quarterfinal defeat to Platinum Stars on Saturday afternoon.

Mphahlele and Mosimane were indirectly responding to comments made by Owen da Gama, a former Dikwena and Orlando Pirates coach, about leftback Tebogo Langerman at the weekend.

Da Gama, who occasionally works as a football pundit for SABC, said new national team coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba should not consider him.

Langerman had one of his worst games in a Sundowns shirt, giving away a penalty, which was converted by Vuyo Mere, and allowing Ndumiso Mabena through on goal to score a second for Stars in their 2-1 victory over the Brazilians at Loftus.

To be fair, Mosimane did set-up Langerman to take the fall when he partly blamed him in a post-match television interview.

Mphahlele said he has since spoken to his teammate about the ap- palling performance and backed him to improve, starting with their Absa Premiership opener against Maritzburg United on Friday.

“It’s football. And knowing Tebogo, he has a strong character to overcome the setback. He literally won us the league last season with his vital crosses to create goals,” Mphahlele said.

“He knows the criticism comes with the job. He has taken it like a man and is moving forward. I had a word with him and he told me it’s water under the bridge and the nice thing about this game is you get a second chance to prove yourself and do well.”

Langerman is the only leftback available for Sundowns with Mzikayise Mashaba and Punch Masenamela out injured for at least another two weeks.

Mosimane said the 28-year-old’s two Bafana caps to date was proof he was good enough to play for the defending league champions.

“He is a very good football player. If he wasn’t good I wouldn’t have used him when I was Bafana coach, and Gordon Igesund wouldn’t have selected him if he is that bad.

“Langerman was selected to play against Spain. He’s made mistakes, crucial mistakes. But it’s life,” Mosimane said yesterday.