Lebo Mothiba compares himself to French superstar, vows to bounce back

The form that made Bafana striker, Lebo Mothiba one of the more promising players in the national setup seems to have deserted him in the latter stages of the year.

The 23-year-old raced to four international goals in just six matches for South Africa, but is yet to find the net in national colours in the eight games since equalising in a 1-1 draw against Nigeria, back in November 2018.

Lebo Mothiba unbothered by lean spell

In Bafana’s most recent match, one of the more clear-cut chances fell in his path, but he failed to direct in to the back of the net.

This was after he had worked his way back into the starting XI, after temporary losing his spot, following a groin injury.

Mothiba says he wasn’t too perturbed by dropping down to the bench.

“As a striker, to score goals is always nice but, firstly, I’m playing well with the [national] team – that’s the most important thing,” said Mothiba.

“Against Ghana, you can’t always play. There are also other players that work hard as well, and I’m not the only striker; there are a lot of good strikers in South Africa.

“And, I think it’s good for coach [Ntseki] to also give others a chance to play, so I just have to keep working hard without expecting to play every game.”

Lebo Mothiba

French star inspires Bafana frontman 

The struggles in front of goal have not only been confined to the international stage for the rising star.

Mothiba has managed just two goals in 12 league matches for his French club, RC Strasbourg in the new season.

He says he has been inspired by Real Madrid and France star, Karim Benzema, who bounced back from a lean spell of his own.

“A little bit [frustrating], but I looked also at Karim Benzema – the same thing happened with him at Real Madrid, where he played 30-something games and scored like four goals,” he explained.

“So, these things happen as a striker when you play up front. And, also, the coach and everyone spoke to me and said, ‘Because you didn’t have a lot of holidays, we just have to take it slowly with you, and when the times comes, you’ll start playing.’ But I wanted to play.

“But they know my body; they know I have to recover and that’s how they did, so I was playing second half [here and there].

“I’m now starting to play full games, and I’m starting the games, so I’m doing well.”

Lebo Mothiba

Mothiba will be hoping to get a run when Strasbourg take on Bafana teammate, Bongani Zungu’s club, Amiens on Saturday.