RC Strasbourg have loaned Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba to fellow Ligue 1 side Troyes for the remainder of the season.

The move comes just as the 25-year-old extended his contract at Strasbourg for a season.

Should he resume playing, Troyes could lose him at the end of the season as the loan deal does not include the option to turn him into a permanent player.

“Racing Club Strasbourg Alsace and ESTAC Troyes have reached an agreement as part of the loan, without an option to buy the South African striker, until the end of the 2021/2022 season. announcement.

“Racing and the player have also agreed to a one-year extension of the striker’s contract. He is now tied to the Alsatian club until June 30, 2024.”

Mothiba’s loan move to Troyes comes just as he recovered from a knee injury that kept him out of competitive football for all of last season.

He returned at the start of this year and played his first competitive game after 673 days when Strasbourg lost 1-0 to Montpellier in the Coupe de France.

The South African came on in the second half and played the last 14 minutes of the game.

Since then he has failed to break into the playing squad which has led to a loan move to Troyes where he is expected to gain some playing minutes.

“ESTAC is pleased to announce the arrival of Lebo Mothiba (25), who is on loan (without an option to buy) until the end of the season, with Troyes,” Troyes also said. announcement.

“The South African international striker is strengthening the Trojan offensive sector by bringing all his experience from the French Ligue 1.

While Strasbourg, fourth in Ligue 1, has a chance of securing a place in the Champions League, Troyes is fighting against relegation.

Gaining playing time at Troyes would increase Mothiba’s chances of returning to the Bafana Bafana fold under Hugo Broos.

Mothiba will be the second South African to play for Troyes after the late Anele Ngcongca who spent the 2015/16 season there on season-long loan from Belgian side Genk.