JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 09: Lebo Mothiba during the International friendly match between South Africa and Namibia at Orlando Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
With an announcement of Lebo Mothiba imminent at Mamelodi Sundowns, the Siya crew understands that the Tshwane giants may have sealed the deal in time to beat the CAF Champions League registration deadline.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) extended the player registration to February 28, giving clubs an opportunity to add to their squads before the start of the knockout phase of the competition in about a month. Sundowns are set to play Tunisian giants Esperance in the quarterfinals.
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Information reaching the Siya crew is that the 2016 African champions have signed Mothiba and they not only expect to have him available until the rest of the season, but for the FIFA Club World Cup later this year. Mothiba had been training with Sundowns and was seen attending club matches, as they were giving him time to get some fitness after a long period without competitive action.
His signing comes at a time Sundowns are in fine form, with Iqraam Rayners, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile contributing immensely upfront with the goals.
While it’s unclear if he is match fit at this point, indications are that he will get an opportunity to slowly get into the team, as head coach Miguel Cardoso is not going to rush him.
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Sundowns is going to have a less busier month with Betway Premiership matches against Golden Arrows, AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates, while they have a Nedbank Cup meeting with Sekhukhune United this weekend.
With an international break coming up this month, Mothiba will have more time to work on his fitness and fight for his place in the team. The former Racing Strasbourg forward will certainly give Sundowns a different option in attack, being a big striker who is more of a box striker compared to Rayners and Shalulile.
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