Just days after Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that Lebo Mothiba is already integrated into the group, FARPost can confirm that the striker has penned a deal.
The Bafana Bafana forward rejoins his boyhood club, with an announcement imminent.
The development marks a reunion with the team where his footballing journey began. After spending a decade overseas, the 29-year-old player returned to South Africa in January. Mothiba’s Europe-based agent had been in discussions with the Betway Premiership reigning champions. The 2016 African champions did not rush to sign him as they wanted him to recover fully from his injury.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso recently clarified that Mothiba was not a player they wanted to use immediately. However, they kept him at the club as he continued his rehabilitation after recently recovering from a lengthy injury that kept him on the sidelines.
He has been frequently seen at home games for Sundowns and publicly with the club’s Bafana players. Sundowns’ approach to the Mothiba deal demonstrates that the club has long-term plans for the revered forward.
ABOUT LEBO MOTHIBA’S SUNDOWNS DEAL
“Lebo Mothiba is in the last stages of his recovery. So he is already integrated into the group, doing some work with the group. Let’s hope he can help us in the future,” confirmed Cardoso last week.
Initially, indications were that the club would sign him on a short-term deal. However, the club has reportedly given him a lengthy deal. Mothiba spent his formative years from 2007 to 2009 at Masandawana. Two years ago, when asked which club he would consider in South Africa, he expressed that Downs were his preferred choice.
“When I was here before I left, before I went to Diambars Academy, I was playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns has been my team since I was young. I was playing Under 10, Under 11 but then I was a centre-back before moving forward,” he said at the time.
“But here in South Africa, my team, my home is Sundowns. I’m following them even that side; every time they play, I follow the games, I watch them, they can play.”
Having missed the 2024 AFCON through injury, he knows that doing well at Sundowns would greatly enhance his chances of regaining a spot in the national team. Bafana have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON. Hugo Broos’ troops will resume the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month.
MOTHIBA A UNIQUE PROFILE OF A STRIKER FOR SUNDOWNS
His arrival at Chloorkop is key for Masandawana, who are competing in the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League. Later in the year, the South African giants participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
With the World Cup in June, the club is eager to bolster their squad with the experience of the well-travelled forward. He joins Sundowns’ striking ranks that include Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners.
Mothiba represents a different profile of a striker for Sundowns. He is strong and powerful and is capable of some good hold-up play that allows his teammates to thrive. His imposing presence and physicality could prove to be significant assets, particularly on the continent. Known for his tireless work rate and eagerness to press defenders, he consistently contributes to his team’s performance.
The former RC Strasbourg striker has been without a club since leaving the French side early in 2024. He was linked with several clubs, including a potential return to Europe.
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