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Cape Town - South Africa under-23 forward Lebo Mothiba scored a brace in the national side's recent friendly against Tunisia but the player is not a household name among local football fans.
SAFA.net sat down with Mothiba to learn more about his progress to date which saw him go from the Sundown academy to Lille in France.
Mothiba went from the SAB league side Diambars to Ligue 1 after somewhat of a lucky break.
"In June 2013 I got an ankle injury and was out for about nine months, I did my rehabilitation and was back with the team in early 2014 and we were told that a scout from Lille F.C was coming through to look for players.
"At the time the scout came I was still out injured and he was not impressed with any of my team-mates.
"He was looking for a big and strong striker and I was the only one at the club at that time who met his criteria, then coaches at Diambars came him my story and he said I should come to France in April 2014 for trails however I was still in rehabilitation. I went to France for about two weeks trailing against players from all over the world and they were impressed with me and asked that I stay another month.
"I played in the reserve and u19 leagues, came back home in June and two months later I was offered a contract by Lille."
The young star in the making offered his thoughts on why the country is experiencing a goal drought at present.
"I believe that the technique is not correct, players in South Africa don’t position themselves correctly and they make the incorrect runs. If they can work on that they will be amongst the best in the world."
The Tembisa-born goal poacher has two major aims for his flegling career.
"I would love to see myself paying regularly at Lille F.C. and attain more national caps." added Mothiba.
