Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba has opened up about the possibility of returning to the PSL, naming Mamelodi Sundowns as his dream destination.
Mothiba started his football career at Mamelodi Sundowns development as a defender in his formative years. He later moved to the Diambars Academy, which helped him to develop his goal-scoring skills.
This led to a move to France at the age of 18, where he has played for different sides such as LOSC Lille, Valenciennes, and Troyes and now turning out for Strasbourg.
The 27-year-old has not played in South Africa’s topflight as he made it to Europe at a young age through academy football. He recently returned to the Bafana Bafana set-up after four years following his impressive 2022/23 campaign with Strasbourg, scoring 12 goals.
Mothiba, who battled injuries in recent times has netted one goal in three games in the new season for Strasbourg. Asked about the possibility of returning home in the latter stages of his career, Mothiba said that he would like to play for Sundowns.
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“After football, after my career, I am coming back to South Africa to live here. That’s always been my goal, play there, come back to South Africa after my career,” said Mothiba.
“My focus for now is Europe, playing in Europe, I’ve never thought of coming back here to play here. But you never know. Anything is possible.” When probed about which team he would like to play for if he returns to SA, Mothiba answered: “When I was here before I left, before I went to Diambars Academy, I was playing for Mamelodi Sundowns.
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“Sundowns has been my team since I was young. I was playing U10, U11 but then I was a centre-back before moving forward.
“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.”
Lebo Mothiba, who has netted scored four goals in 14 appearances for Bafana featured for the Hugo Broos-coached national team on Saturday in the 0-0 draw against Namibia in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium.
He will likely be in action when Bafana take on DR Congo in the second friendly on Tuesday at the same venue in Soweto.