Mothiba poised for move to Belgium

Shandre Campbell may soon have a compatriot in the Belgian league with Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba to undergo a medical at Standard Liege, local media reported.

Mothiba is a free agent after he left French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg following an injury-plagued six seasons at the club.

The 28-year-old scored nine goals in 32 appearances (18 starts) in his first season at Strasbourg following a move from Lille, before a serious knee injury and other persistent problems have limited his appearances to another 27 starts in the next five seasons.

But there is no doubt that when fit he is a good operator in the No 9 striker role and would certainly be a player to light up the Belgian league.

Whether he can pass the medical and Liege have confidence in his long-term fitness prospects are what will decide the deal.

Mothiba won the last of his 17 Bafana Bafana caps in the 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast last October, though injury meant he was ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier this year.

Liege are traditionally one of the top teams in Belgium but have had a downturn in fortunes in recent seasons and finished 10th in the 2023/24 regular season.

Teenager Campbell joined league champions Club Brugge last week and will initially play in their reserve side in the second-tier.