Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba has resurfaced at Mamelodi Sundowns after Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club snubbed him. FARPost can confirm the striker was seen at Chloorkop on Sunday morning ahead of a potential move.
Mothiba trained with Masandawana players who didn’t make the trip to DRC for Saturday’s CAF Champions League clash against AS Maniema Union. The defending South African champions rallied from behind to beat the Congolese outfit 2-1.
Sundowns and Mothiba’s management team are expected to engage in discussions on his personal terms in the coming days. He recently recovered from a knee injury and has been without a club since leaving French side Strasbourg early in 2024. He was linked with several clubs, including a potential return to Europe.
While a move to Wydad seemed imminent after Mothiba was spotted watching a Wydad game at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, reports are that the club decided against signing the South African. The free agent, who was set to undergo a trial period with the club under coach Rulani Mokwena, reportedly trained for one day. Reports from Morocco are that Wydad had a few concerns.
Mothiba left Casablanca last week with indications of interest in his services from South Africa.
LEBO MOTHIBA SPOTTED AT SUNDOWNS
According to sources, the club is eager to add a striker in this January transfer window and the striker has emerged as an option. Peter Shalulile reportedly wants a move away from the club, with interest from Saudi Arabia.
Interestingly, Mothiba started his football journey at Mamelodi Sundowns. The Bafana forward has previously said he has several friends at the club and would consider the South African champions. Masandawana also offers the ambitious forward an opportunity to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, just like Wydad.
Before his Wydad trial, Mothiba had a brief stint in Germany with Karlsruhe and was also linked with a move to Belgian side Standard Liege. However, the move ultimately fell through due to disagreements over personal terms.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has previously lauded his unique qualities as a striker, emphasising that the forward possesses a distinct skillset.
“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, and we don’t have a striker that has power.
“Then I was still surprised to see that also on training. I’m not surprised that I see it, but I saw him playing in Strasbourg. Now you see him live, it’s different.”
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