Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised Lebo Mothiba’s unique qualities as a striker, saying that he is the type of player that the team has been missing.
Mothiba featured for the national team against Namibia on Saturday 9 September. He is likely to feature against DR Congo on Tuesday at Orlando Stadium.
Broos believes the RC Strasbourg Alsace forward is a “different type of striker” who can be a valuable asset to Bafana.
Mothiba makes a return to the national team after a four-year absence. This was mainly due to injury setbacks and lack of fitness.
His last game in Bafana colours was against Sudan in AFCON qualifiers in November 2019.
HUGO BROOS EXPLAINS WHAT MAKES LEBO MOTHIBA A DIFFERENT STRIKER
According to Broos, the Diambars Football Academy prodigy is a different profile of a forward.
“I think I said it when he was in the selection, Lebo [Mothiba] is the type of player that we don’t have, the type of striker we don’t have,” said Broos.
“He’s strong, and he’s powerful. We don’t have a striker that can keep a ball, we don’t have a striker that has the power of it.
“Then I was still surprised to see that also on training. Not surprised that I see it, but I saw him playing In Strasbourg. Now you see him live, it’s different.”
HUGO BROOS DELIGHTED WITH LEBO MOTHIBA PRESENCE AT BAFANA BAFANA
Broos further revealed his happiness that Mothiba has finally recovered and has regained his confidence.
The Belgian mentor also said Mothiba will be given an opportunity to play in the two matches just like every squad member.
“I’m very happy that he’s here. I’m very happy with that kind of striker, and also he will have his play time,” he added.
For Mothiba, it won’t be easy to make it in the starting 11. He faces stiff competition from in-form striker, the duo of Orlando Pirates’ Zakhele Lepasa and Lyle Foster of Burnley FC.
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