Rumoured Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns target Lebo Mothiba is back in France after cutting ties with Strasbourg.
Mothiba staying fit in Europe
Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba is back in France after leaving Strasbourg and finding himself without a club. The 28-year-old recently trained with German Bundesliga 2 team Karlsruher. Mothiba was with Strasbourg for six seasons. When he left in May, he came close to signing for Belgian Jupiter League side Standard Liege but couldn’t agree terms.
“Lebo is well respected in France because he did well despite having injuries but unfortunately he hasn’t been able to find a new team,” a source close to the player said via The Citizen.
“The team in Germany was impressed with him and it looked like it was just a matter of time before they would sign him. Unfortunately, the deal didn’t happen for reasons I can’t disclose so he’s back in France while he considers his options because the country is like a second home for him.”
Lebo feels at home in France
Lebo Mothiba made the move to France in July 2014 from Diambars FA. The Johannesburg-born marksman was also briefly on the books of Sundowns as a youth player. Since his move to France, Mothiba has turned out for Lille, Valenciennes, Strasbourg and Troyes. Strasbourg is where he made his name, becoming fluent in the language and installing himself as a fan favourite in the Northeast of the country. Mothiba has 14 caps for South Africa and four goals, but his last appearance in national colours was in October 2023.
Carling Knockout quarter-final draw pits Kaizer Chiefs against Sundowns
Chiefs, Magesi, Richards Bay, and Marumo Gallants were in the unseeded pot. Meanwhile, Sundowns, Cape Town City, TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch were the seeded sides after finishing in the top eight last season. Amakhosi knew they were getting a seeded opponent and got the most difficult task on paper. However, if they can get past the Brazilians they’ll quietly fancy their chances of going all the way. Here’s the full draw with the holders Stellenbosch travelling to Limpopo to face Marumo Gallants.
- Richards Bay vs Cape Town City
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- TS Galaxy vs Magesi FC
- Marumo Gallants vs Stellenbosch FC
Where will Mothiba go next?
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