Lerumo Lions FC forward Ntuthuko Mlotshwa has reflected on his historic campaign after finishing the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season as the league’s top goalscorer.
The talented frontman joined the North West-based outfit in August 2025 as a free agent, arriving just after Lerumo concluded a deal to purchase the second-tier status of Pretoria Callies.
Mlotshwa enjoyed a stellar campaign in Lerumo colours, netting 13 goals and providing five assists in 26 league matches. He also contributed a goal in the 2026 Nedbank Cup competition.
The KwaZulu-Natal-born striker’s impressive displays upfront propelled the Sibongile Marokana-owned side to a seventh-place finish, collecting 42 points from 30 outings. Notably, Lerumo’s tally was aided by three points after a SAFA Arbitration ruling went against Black Leopards regarding the replay of their first four matches of the season.
HOW MLOTSHWA FOUND HIS SCORING BOOTS AT LERUMO LIONS
Speaking to FARPost, Mlotshwa attributed his good form to an unwavering work ethic. “You know, being where I am today is due to my hard work and determination, and I never gave up. I knew what I wanted and how good I am,” Mlotshwa told this publication in an interview.
“Obviously, when you’re a player, there is some advice you take from others in order to complement your game and help you be where you are today. When I look back, I tell myself that I need to work harder to get this Golden Boot.
“I am so happy to be the leading top goalscorer because of my hard work and dedication.”
OVERCOMING PAST STRUGGLES AT MAGESI FC AND JOMO COSMOS
Prior to his golden run in Lerumo’s books, Mlotshwa endured challenging stints at Magesi FC and Jomo Cosmos, where limited game time hindered his progress. He believes those experiences provided crucial lessons for his breakthrough season.
“As I have played for Jomo Cosmos and Magesi FC before, I can say I had the opportunity to play for them because I believe I’m talented,” he explained.
“Arriving at Magesi, their squad was already assembled, and I joined in the second round of the season, adding to the squad they already had. I can say that this made it difficult for me to get more playtime. I also had to adapt to their style of play, so it wasn’t going to be easy because I found players who were already in form and scoring goals.
“At Jomo Cosmos, I was still very young. I was promoted from the Under-17s to the first team. So, even there, I had to adapt and adjust to things like that.”
As previously reported by FARPost, Lerumo have exercised their option to extend Mlotshwa’s contract ahead of the new season.
The extension keeps the gifted frontman at the club until the end of the 2027/28 campaign. However, Mlotshwa’s new deal includes a buyout clause, ensuring the club is well-positioned to cash in on any future transfer interest.
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