Did Kaizer Chiefs-linked striker make massive blunder by joining Mamelodi Sundowns? Lebo Mothiba tipped to struggle at Masandawana - 'He might have been an effective striker for teams like SuperSport United'

Lebo Mothiba was released by French outfit RC Strasbourg after failing to deliver as expected owing to injuries.

He failed to seal a move abroad as he had initially hoped and opted to come back home to South Africa.

Initially, Kaizer Chiefs were heavily linked with the 29-year-old, as the Glamour Boys were working on rebuilding their team after an embarrassing 2023/24 campaign.

However, nothing concrete materialised between the Soweto giants and the Bafana Bafana attacker.

He, eventually, managed to negotiate an initial short-term deal with the defending Premier Soccer League champions.

It was not an ideal move, according to former Masandawana player Sandile Ndlovu.

"Sundowns already have plenty of strikers, all of whom are scoring, including players like Lucas Ribeiro, Shalulile, and Rayners," he told SNL24..

"I struggle to see how Mothiba fits into that set-up because he is primarily a box striker. His strength lies in holding the ball, whereas Sundowns no longer play in that style. He might have been an effective striker for teams like SuperSport United that rely on crosses and headers. Perhaps he was signed for his overseas experience, but honestly, his playing style does not align with Sundowns. That’s just my opinion. I don’t think he will thrive there.

"With Sundowns currently boasting three top strikers, this is the perfect time for them to nurture emerging talent from their development squad and gradually integrate young players into the first team," he continue.

"At Sundowns, you need to be mobile; there’s no room for simply pushing and shielding defenders. Anyway, I wish him the best. He is a good player, but I doubt that Sundowns' style of play will suit him. His goal-scoring record isn’t impressive, and at Sundowns, strikers are primarily evaluated on their ability to score goals.

"I also don’t recall Mothiba showcasing any notable skills while playing for Bafana Bafana. The nimble Sundowns forwards are very intelligent and always anticipate third-man runs during attacks," Ndlovu concluded.

Mothiba has a couple of months to prove he is fit and free from injuries that have seen him struggle for game time.

The versatile attacker might make his debut on Friday in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final between Masandawana and Sekhukhune United at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

It will be a perfect opportunity for him to show the fans what is coming.