SA striker Lebo Mothiba voted best player in France

South African striker Lebo Mothiba has been voted as Strasbourg’s standout performer in Saturday’s French Ligue 1 game against Toulouse.

Mothiba finished ahead of Matz Salts and Kevin Gameiro who polled 35.1 percent and 2.2 percent respectively.

Strasbourg fans voted for Mothiba via the club’s website after his massive contribution in the game which ended two-all.

Mothiba came off the bench to add his name on the scoresheet then won a penalty which Kevin Gameiro converted.

Anthony Roualt had scored for Toulouse in the 44^th minute before Brechtdegaere doubled the advantage in the 55^th minute.

“Scorer of a header from a well-placed cross from Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel, he earned the penalty for the equalizer due to his pressing on Nicolaisen, who handled the ball,”’ Strasbourg website reads. 

Mothiba has replaced Sanjin Pric in the 60^th minute to form a three-pronged attacking trio alongside Habib Diallo and Kevin Gameiro.

MOTHIBA IMPACT

The French clubs says Mothiba brought mobility and rhythm in attack. 

The supporters could not help but vote for Mothiba en-masse at 60.2 percent, according to the club.

“A very nice reward for our South African who has come a long way, and it’s deserved!,” Strasbourg said in a statement.

“The comeback! 1,051 days after his last goal with Racing, against Toulouse already, Lebo is the big player in the comeback of our Bleu & Blanc in this match which was badly embarked.”

The South African debuted in France for Ligue 2 side Valenciennes where he spent time on loan from Lille.

The 26-year-old returned to Lille the following season before jumping ship to start a new lease of life at Strasbourg.

However, his progress has been delayed by injuries.

Mothiba suffered the latest injury last month after he had played just 22 minutes.