Lebo Mothiba

Lebogang Mothiba was born on June 28, 1996, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in the township of Tembisa, located in the Gauteng province. From a young age, Mothiba showed potential in football and was encouraged by his family to pursue his passion. His early exposure to football set him on a path to develop into a professional soccer player, demonstrating great skill and determination.

Lebo Mothiba's football skills caught the attention of the Mamelodi Sundowns scouts, and in 2009, he joined their youth academy. He honed his skills at the academy, learning the intricacies of the game and developing his technique. This was a significant step in Mothiba's budding football career and provided him with the platform to advance to professional soccer in the future.

In 2014, Lebo Mothiba's impressive performances at the youth level earned him a move to French club Lille OSC. The transfer marked a new chapter in Mothiba's career as he joined the Lille youth setup. Transitioning from South Africa to France was a big leap and challenged Mothiba to adapt to European football standards, greatly influencing his professional development.

Lebo Mothiba made his debut for the Lille OSC first team on August 9, 2017, in a match against US Avranches. His debut was symbolic of his progress through the ranks of the football club, demonstrating his consistency and professionalism. He quickly became known for his ability to find the back of the net, showcasing his potential as a growing football talent in Europe.

On November 10, 2017, Lebo Mothiba made his international debut for the South Africa national team in a match against Senegal. The debut marked his recognition at the international level, as he played an important role in the national team's lineup. This milestone moment solidified his position as one of South Africa's promising football talents on the international stage.

In early 2018, Lille OSC decided to loan Lebo Mothiba to Valenciennes, a club competing in Ligue 2, for the remainder of the season. During his loan spell, Mothiba gained valuable game time, showcasing his striking abilities. The loan move was pivotal in providing him with the experience needed to compete at higher levels and greatly contributed to his development as a forward.

Lebo Mothiba transferred to RC Strasbourg Alsace in June 2018. The move was a significant step up in Mothiba's career, as he joined a team competing in France's Ligue 1. At RC Strasbourg, Mothiba continued to grow as a professional footballer, and his performances on the field drew attention and praise from fans and analysts alike for his skillful play and scoring ability.

On October 8, 2019, Lebo Mothiba scored a crucial goal for RC Strasbourg Alsace in a UEFA Europa League match, helping his team progress in the competition. His goal-scoring prowess in international competitions highlighted his growing reputation as a formidable striker. Mothiba's contribution was vital for Strasbourg's aspirations in European tournaments that season.

In November 2020, Lebo Mothiba suffered a significant injury that kept him out of action for an extended period. This injury was a setback in what had been a promising season for the striker. Throughout his recovery process, Mothiba exhibited perseverance and resilience, dedicated to returning to the pitch. His journey through rehabilitation was chronicled by various sports outlets.

On March 18, 2023, Lebo Mothiba made his long-awaited return to football after recovering from his injury. Playing for Strasbourg, Mothiba's comeback was celebrated by fans and marked a significant personal achievement in his career. His determination to overcome adversity and return to professional play was heralded as an inspirational story in the world of sports.