Interesting: Mamelodi Sundowns is Mothibas' favourite team

 Lebo Mothiba, a striker for the Bafana Bafana, claims he is a fan of Mamelodi Sundowns and that they are likely to be the only team he would play for if he were to return home.

The 27-year-old was a defender for Sundowns during his early years before enrolling in the renowned Diambars Academy, which prepared him for a move to France at the age of 18.

Mothiba signed with Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille and had an immediate impact with the reserve squad, scoring eight goals in 32 games over the course of three seasons. After making his professional debut with Valenciennes on loan in Ligue 2, Mothiba's performance won him a spot in Lille's main team.

Due to his 17 league goals in two seasons, Strasbourg lured him away from Lille in a €4 million trade. He subsequently scored 12 goals in his debut season, earning him a spot on the Bafana Bafana team.

Injury, however, has slowed his performance for club and country over the previous four seasons, and now that he is back in full shape and fitness, he admits that he never gave thought to returning.

I am returning to South Africa to live here after football, after my career, Mothiba declared. Playing there and returning to South Africa after my career has been my dream.

My current playing priorities are in Europe, I've never considered returning to play in this country. However, anything is possible, so you never know.

Mothiba admitted he has a strong bond with the DStv Premiership champions when asked which club he would prefer to play for if he ever returned to his native country.

I was playing for Mamelodi Sundowns while I was here before I left and before I moved to Diambars Academy. Sundowns has been my team ever since I was a young player. I played U10 and U11, but before advancing, I was a center-back, he said.