Former Lille striker Lebo Mothiba is reportedly on the cusp of a sensational return to Mamelodi Sundowns after being spotted training with the PSL champions. The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana forward, who has spent the bulk of his professional career in Europe, is now a free agent after the expiration of his contract with French side RC Strasbourg at the end of the 2023/2024 season. With his future up in the air, Mothiba’s potential return to Sundowns has ignited considerable excitement among South African football fans, although opinions are divided about the wisdom of bringing him back to the club.
Mothiba’s journey to prominence began with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he came through the youth ranks in 2009. During his early years at Sundowns, Mothiba was part of the club’s development program, but his big break came when he moved to Europe, where he would go on to play for several top-tier French clubs. His first major move was to Lille, where he had a notable spell before moving to RC Strasbourg, where he spent the majority of his time in Ligue 1. Along the way, Mothiba also had stints with Troyes and Valenciennes, continuing to develop his skills in one of Europe’s more competitive leagues.
Over the years, Mothiba earned a reputation as a promising striker, playing regularly for Strasbourg in France’s top division, where he showcased his ability to score goals and provide attacking depth. His experience in European football has given him valuable insights into the demands of top-level competition, and he also earned several call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad, where he represented his country with distinction. However, despite his solid career abroad, Mothiba found himself without a club after the end of the 2023/2024 season, when Strasbourg decided not to renew his contract. This left the striker as a free agent, and now, it seems, he’s eyeing a return to South Africa to reignite his career.
The news of Mothiba training with Mamelodi Sundowns has sparked a flurry of excitement across South African football circles, with many fans hoping the striker could bolster Sundowns’ already formidable squad. Sundowns, under the guidance of coach Rhulani Mokwena, have dominated South African football in recent years, regularly winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title and securing strong performances in continental competitions. The addition of a player with Mothiba’s pedigree would no doubt add an extra layer of quality to their attacking options.
However, not everyone is convinced that Mothiba’s return to Sundowns is a good move. Some critics have raised questions about his form and fitness, given that he has spent the last few years in the less competitive Ligue 1 environment. While Mothiba was once regarded as a promising talent in Europe, his recent performances have not been as eye-catching, and some fans are concerned that he may not be able to replicate the form that saw him rise through Sundowns’ ranks in the first place. Additionally, after years abroad, there are questions about how well Mothiba would adapt back to the demands of the PSL, particularly with a team like Sundowns that has high expectations for success.
On social media, fans have been vocal in their reactions to the possibility of Mothiba rejoining Sundowns. Some have welcomed the idea, believing that Mothiba’s experience in Europe and his time playing in a top-five league will bring valuable leadership and quality to the team’s forward line. His time with Strasbourg, Lille, and other French clubs means he has faced some of the best defenders in Europe, and that experience could prove invaluable in the competitive PSL. Additionally, Mothiba’s technical ability, hold-up play, and intelligence on the ball could be a good fit for Sundowns’ fast-paced, possession-based style of play.
On the other hand, there are concerns about his recent form. Mothiba’s last few seasons at Strasbourg were hampered by injuries and inconsistent performances, which has led some to question whether he still possesses the same level of sharpness and fitness that made him such a promising prospect in his younger years. With Sundowns’ strong squad and competition for places in the starting lineup, some feel that bringing Mothiba in might not be as straightforward as it seems. Others have pointed out that Sundowns may have a wealth of attacking options already, with players like Peter Shalulile, Kermit Erasmus, and Gift Motupa, making Mothiba’s role in the team unclear at this stage.
Despite the mixed reactions, Mothiba himself has reportedly expressed a strong desire to return to Mamelodi Sundowns, and this has only fueled speculation about a potential deal. The striker is no stranger to the club, having developed through Sundowns’ academy, and he has often spoken about the positive influence the club had on his early career. Returning to Sundowns could provide Mothiba with the opportunity to re-establish himself in familiar surroundings and reignite his career in South Africa’s premier league. Given his desire to play regularly and contribute to a top-tier club, Sundowns would represent a strong option for Mothiba, particularly with their continental ambitions and the prestige of the PSL.
For Sundowns, the decision to sign Mothiba could provide an interesting solution to their attacking needs. They could offer Mothiba the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League and continue his career in front of the passionate South African fanbase. Additionally, Sundowns’ strong medical and fitness support could help Mothiba regain his peak form, potentially benefiting both the player and the club in the long term. If he can stay injury-free and regain his sharpness, Mothiba could once again prove to be a potent force in South African football.
As the January transfer window approaches, the situation remains fluid, and whether Mothiba ultimately signs with Mamelodi Sundowns will depend on several factors, including his fitness, the club’s assessment of his current form, and his ability to fit into Sundowns’ tactical setup. It’s clear that if the deal goes through, it would be a major talking point in South African football, not only because of Mothiba’s return to the PSL but also due to the potential impact he could have at Sundowns. For now, fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on developments, eager to see whether Mothiba’s sensational return to Sundowns becomes a reality.