Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba’s future at the club appears uncertain, according to insiders privy to information.
Siya sources have indicated that Mothiba is unlikely to remain at the Brazilians beyond the end of the season. After being signed in March on a short-term deal, the South African forward could find himself searching for a new club come 30 June.
Sources close to the club added that there were initially mixed feelings about signing Mothiba, even after he had spent weeks training with the team.
"Do you recall his signing took time after he had started training with them? There was mixed feelings on whether to sign him and register him with the PSL as they disagreed if they really needed him. But because he was professional in his training and conduct at the team it was like a reward for good behaviour to him. But as of now, it's believed that he may not even travel with the team to the Club World Cup in the USA. His future will apparently end at the end of the season. Other than him, the club may lose other strikers next season which they don't see a future with. Lebo's future seems to he hanging in the balance," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second insider stated that Sundowns are actively scouting strikers in Africa and Europe to prepare for the potential departures of key forwards Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa at the end of the season.
"Yes, for Lebo I don't think he will stay after this season. Remember his contract is from March to June and could only be extended if he had performed very well for the team but that doesn't look well. At the moment the club is scouting for an additional striker, both in Africa and Europe, preparing for the possible departure of Shalulile and Ribeiro. And that's why Lebo (Mothiba) probably won't be staying," the second source stated.
Mothiba, now 29, was reportedly on Kaizer Chiefs’ radar at the start of the season. However, that move did not materialise, leading Mothiba to begin training with Sundowns in January before being signed in March.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment on Mothiba’s situation but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
