South African defender Thato Sibiya reveals Lebo Mothiba’s influence on his move to Lille

Newly signed LOSC defender Thato Sibiya has revealed that his former Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Lebo Mothiba played an important role in convincing him to accept the opportunity to move to France.

The 20-year-old South African defender was officially unveiled by LOSC on Wednesday after completing a season-long loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns, with the French club also holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Sibiya, who spent part of pre-season with Miguel Cardoso’s Sundowns squad in Austria, has now begun a new chapter of his career in European football.

While making the decision to leave South Africa was a major step for the young defender, he received valuable encouragement from Mothiba, who already has experience playing in Europe.

Mothiba, who was Sibiya’s teammate at Sundowns, previously spent several years in European football, including spells in France, before returning to South Africa and joining the Pretoria-based club.

That experience made the former South Africa international an important source of advice for Sibiya as he considered the move to LOSC.

According to the young defender, Mothiba encouraged him not to hesitate and to take advantage of the opportunity to continue his development in France.

“Before coming, I spoke with Lebo Mothiba, who was my teammate at the Mamelodi Sundowns. When I told him that I had the opportunity to come here, he told me not to hesitate and go for it,” Sibiya told LOSC club media.

“He was very happy for me and spoke to me very positively about the club and the city.”

Mothiba’s words appear to have given Sibiya additional confidence as he prepared to leave Sundowns and embark on his first experience of European football.

The move represents a significant opportunity for the 20-year-old, who has spent his development years in South Africa and is now set to experience a completely different footballing environment.

Sibiya also expressed his excitement at joining LOSC, describing the move as an important opportunity in his young career.

“I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to join LOSC. I am proud and happy to sign in this great club, and very excited and eager to start working,” said Sibiya.

The South African defender also provided an insight into his playing style, highlighting his pace and dynamism as two of his main qualities.

“I am a dynamic and fast defender. I care about progressing here and integrating as soon as possible, starting by adapting to French life and its football.”

Sibiya’s comments underline his determination to make the most of his first European adventure.

The defender will initially join LOSC’s Pro 2 group as part of the loan agreement, giving him the opportunity to adapt gradually to French football and the club’s methods.

The arrangement also includes a purchase option, meaning Sibiya could potentially turn his temporary stay in France into a permanent move if he impresses during the season.

For the youngster, the immediate priority will be adapting to his new surroundings, understanding the demands of French football and establishing himself within the LOSC setup.

His journey to Lille comes after a period of development at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he progressed through the club’s system and earned an opportunity to train and prepare with the senior team.

Moving to France now gives him the chance to test himself outside South Africa and gain experience that could prove valuable for both his club and international ambitions.

Mothiba’s influence could therefore prove significant beyond simply convincing him to make the move.

Having experienced European football himself, the Sundowns forward understands the challenges involved in leaving South Africa and adapting to a new country, culture and style of football.

For Sibiya, having someone familiar who had already walked a similar path provided reassurance before making the decision.

Now, the young defender will have the opportunity to put Mothiba’s advice into practice.

He will look to settle quickly in Lille, impress the coaching staff and continue developing his qualities as a dynamic and quick defender.

The move could also open a new pathway for Sibiya’s ambitions with the South African national team, particularly if he can establish himself in European football and continue his development at LOSC.

For now, however, his focus is on adapting to his new environment and making a positive impression.

With the support of Mothiba behind him and a new challenge waiting in France, Sibiya is ready to begin what could become a defining chapter of his young career.