Lebohang Mothiba may not be part of the current Bafana Bafana squad, but he has all the confidence that the national team has what it takes to beat Nigeria in Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
Bafana Bafana will depart to Nigeria on Wednesday and will face the Super Eagles on Friday, kick-off is scheduled for 21:00. Hugo Broos’ side will then host Zimbabwe on June 7 at the Free State Stadium.
“I am always positive and I always believe in my teammates and the national team. We have quality players and I am saying we are going to win against Nigeria for sure,” Mothiba told SAFA media.
“But the team needs to work together, give everything on the pitch, stay positive, and play your heart out because you always rest after.
“While you are on the pitch, you have to give everything to the point that you can’t walk properly after the game because you gave everything,” he added.
Mothiba last kicked a ball for Bafana in October last year and was forced to miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a knee injury, which has kept him out of action since December last year.
READ: Rivalries renewed as Nigeria host Bafana Bafana in crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier
“Everyone was disappointed, especially me because he had two games before the AFCON. I saw myself playing in the AFCON and I even saw myself winning the tournament because we really had a good team.
“But it is life and I just have to stay positive and continue working hard because I have the qualities, now I just have to stay positive and I know that I will come back to the national team.
The 28-year-old recently parted ways with French League 1 side Strasbourg, who opted against renewing his contract, but Mothiba is not worried about being in the wilderness and has buried the possibility of joining a DStv Premiership side.
“Here in South Africa, I have not spoken to any team. I don’t know what is happening,” said Mothiba.
“For now everything is still between me and my agent, but I will always have offers in Europe.
“I’m not focused on other clubs, my only focus is healing my knee coming back fully fit, and continuing playing in Europe.
“That is why ever since I came back to South Africa I have been working every day, I only rest on Sundays. I will be fully fit in about three to four weeks,” he added.
Day before departure, and not even the icy 🥶 chill can keep us away! We back at @DobsieStadium for training . #BafanaPride #WCQualifiers pic.twitter.com/dtLzyaSzgn
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 4, 2024
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