Ndlovu suggests loan move could help Mothiba find his form at Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns development coach and club legend Sandile “AK-47” Ndlovu believes Lebo Mothiba’s difficulties at the African champions are the result of a mismatch between the striker’s style and the way the team plays.

Ndlovu says Mothiba, who returned to South Africa after several years in Europe with French club RC Strasbourg, may benefit from joining a club where he would face less pressure and where the system better suits his strengths.

The 30-year-old has made three appearances in all competitions this season, including a one-minute cameo in the Betway Premiership, but has yet to score for the Chloorkop-based club.

Ndlovu does not believe Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso should be held responsible for Mothiba’s lack of impact. Instead, he questioned whether the striker was the right fit for the club when he was signed.

“When it comes to Mothiba, I cannot blame the coach Miguel but the person who brought him to Sundowns,” Ndlovu told KickOff.

“When you sign a player, you must bring in someone who fits the style of the team. He is a good striker because he played overseas for years, represented Bafana Bafana, and at some point, we even thought he was the next Phil Masinga for the national team.

“But now, his style and Sundowns’ style are completely different. That’s why you hear people complaining that he is not scoring and he is contributing nothing to the team.”

Mothiba’s return to the domestic game followed a spell in France with RC Strasbourg, but he has so far struggled to establish himself in the PSL.

Ndlovu said the available statistics appeared to support the criticism of the forward, but argued that the wider issue was the contrast between Mothiba’s game and Sundowns’ passing style.

“Even though the statistics support these opinions, the main issue is how Sundowns play and how Lebo plays,” he said.

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

Ndlovu added that Mothiba had now been at Sundowns long enough for concerns about his lack of progress to be raised, and recommended a temporary move elsewhere.

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

“It’s overdue now because he has been at Sundowns for a while. He should go on loan to a team that suits his style of play.”