Mamelodi Sundowns’ Mothiba: ‘I am different from South African strikers’

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba has explained how his style of play is very different from that of typical South African forwards.

Speaking to Radio 2000’s Thabiso Mosia, the on-and-off Bafana Bafan star said he sticks to his duties as a target with the sole purpose of scoring.

This style of play, the former Strasbourgh FC player added, is contrary to what the South Africa football fraternity expects of a striker.

“My style of play is totally different to that of South African players because in South Africa they want you to sweep etc,” the Sundowns forward said.

“I am more of a target man; a target striker. I am always there between the central backs and making them work.”

The striker, who signed for Sundowns as a free agent in March 2025, explained why his style of play is effective.

“I don’t drop a lot because if you drop, they will also drop with me and then in the middle, it will be crowded, so I keep them far away coming to the midfield to open space for midfielders to play,” Mothiba added.

The 29-year-old striker spent over 10 seasons in France, featuring for clubs such as Valenciennes, Lille, Strasbourg, and Troyes.

Since leaving Strasbourg last summer, he remained without a club until joining Sundowns. He was part of the squad that impressed at the recent FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.