Lebo Mothiba’s Sundowns struggles explained – ‘You can’t blame the coach’

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Sandile Ndlovu has weighed in on Lebo Mothiba’s difficult spell at the club, suggesting a loan move could be the key to reviving the striker’s career.

Mothiba, who returned to South Africa after a lengthy spell in France with RC Strasbourg, has struggled to make an impact with the reigning African champions and is yet to find the back of the net this season.

Ndlovu, a former prolific goalscorer for Sundowns now working as a development coach, believes the issue lies in a fundamental mismatch between Mothiba’s playing style and the team’s tactical approach.

Why coach Cardoso is not to blame

“When it comes to Mothiba, I can’t blame the coach, but rather the person who brought him to Sundowns,” Ndlovu told KickOff. “When you sign a player, you must bring in someone who fits the team’s style.”

He acknowledged Mothiba’s pedigree, stating, “He is a good striker because he played overseas for years, represented Bafana Bafana, and at one point, we even thought he was the next Phil Masinga for the national team.”

However, Ndlovu pointed out the stylistic clash. “His style and Sundowns’ style are completely different. That’s why you hear people complaining that he isn’t scoring and contributing nothing,” he explained.

“Sundowns prefer a ‘one-two passes’ style of football; they don’t rely on crosses. He could have fit perfectly at clubs like SuperSport United or the former Bidvest Wits.”

Lebo Mothiba advised to seek loan move

The 30-year-old forward has made only three appearances across all competitions this season, with one being a brief one-minute cameo in the league.

Ndlovu concluded that a change of scenery is necessary for the player to regain his form and confidence.

“Whoever recommended him thought he would fit, but I don’t think he has settled in well,” he added.

“He should go on loan to a team that suits his style of play. You can see the boy is struggling. We know he’s a good striker, but he isn’t the right addition for this club. Let him go and enjoy his football somewhere else.”