Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba says he’s ‘hungry’ for goals after returning to the RCS Strasbourg first-team is likely to benefit from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Mothiba made his first appearance for the Ligue 1 club in 673 days after two long term injuries and is now targeting a return to full fitness at the club’s he’s held in high regard with.
The 25-year-old played 14 minutes in their 1-0 Coupe de France defeat against Montpellier but is expected to be counted on while fellow striker Habib Diallo heads to AFCON with Senegal.
Speaking to France Bleu, Mothiba could not his delight; “I am very, very happy. It was very, very long. But I was patient, I continued to work and believe in myself. It’s a rebirth. People will see a new Lebo, not the old one.
“I promise, I’ll give it my all on the pitch. I’m hungry for the ball and goals. I’m patient, with time, it will come.”
The former Lille striker said he feels ‘good’ with no pain that he played with prior to the knee operation and now provides another dimension to their attacking line-up, according to teammate Dimitri Liénard.
“I hope he will bring us all his know-how, that is to say, add depth,” the club captain added. “He is another type of attacker that we do not have.”
“I am happy for him, even if the work is not finished. He must not give up, he must work to find the rhythm.”
Mothiba has scored 14 goals and registered six assists in 33 starts for the club since his €4-million (R71-m) transfer from LOSC Lille in August 2018.
