A Strasbourg supporters with a message of encouragement for South African striker Lebo Mothiba. Picture:@RCSA_English/Twitter
After breaking his kneecap during a match over the weekend, Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba’s French team Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has paid homage to him.
In a show of support to the striker who is expected to be out for months, his Strasbourg teammates wore t-shirts written ‘Courage Lebo’ ahead of their league encounter with Lille, which they won.
Some of the Strasbourg supporters in attendance held up messages of support to the 28 year-old striker who has inevitably been ruled out of next month’s African Cup Of Nations (Afcon) in the Ivory Coast.
His club teammate and Dutch forward Emanuel Emegha held up Mothiba’s squad jersey after scoring in the match.
Before the match, another teammate Lucas Perrin spoke glowingly of Mothiba and wished him well.
“Lebo is someone I adore enormously. He always has a smile, he is kind to everyone. It’s super frustrating for him. We hope to win for him tomorrow. We are all of us behind him!”
Mothiba had a successful surgery and has begun his recovery journey.
A patellar fracture is a serious injury that can make it difficult or even impossible to straighten your knee or walk.
It can take about three to six months to recover from a broken kneecap, but very severe patellar injuries may take longer.
READ MORE: Kompany says Foster ‘just can’t’ play for Bafana right now
Those affected can be advised to avoid climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling or other activities that place strain on the knee joint.
“Even if it is too early to tell, it doesn’t look good for Lebo,” said Mothiba’s Coach Patrick Vieira after Sunday’s match.
Mothiba’s injury comes just after he was named in the 50 man preliminary squad for the continental showpiece.
His absence will cause headache for national team coach Hugo Broos and his technical team, after England-based striker Lyle Foster was also ruled out of the tournament because of mental health challenges.
Foster returned to action on Saturday and played the second half of the 2-0 home loss to Everton, but is expected to not be available for Mzansi in Ivory Coast.
NOW READ: Burnley get a pleasant ‘surprise’ as Foster makes EPL return
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
