Bafana Bafana striker Lebohang Mothiba's future appears to be uncertain, despite currently training with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mothiba has been without a club since his contract was not renewed by French side Strasbourg at the end of June 2024.
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Since he has been training with Sundowns, who recently confirmed securing the signature of Jayden Adams, there has been expectations that the 28-year-old would also be announced.
However, the burly marksman still faces an uncertain future, with the club yet to make a decision on giving him a contract, whilst also appearing to be in no rush to make that decision.
"Let me make it clear, Lebo Mothiba will not help the team in the nearest months, because he's not in the condition (of playing immediately). He comes from a long period of injury, so you should not think about him helping the team at the moment," Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso told journalists at Loftus Versfeld Stadium after a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League.
Mothiba has not played a competitive game in one year and six months, since he got a knee injury for Strasbourg in December 2023.
Cardoso also admitted there are question marks on the process.
"He's working with us, but it's a medium-, long-term plan for him. He is one year without playing, he had a big surgery, still many questions on the process.
"He's a wonderful player, he's a wonderful person, but everybody, not even ourselves, can put any pressure on him. So, let's see what will happen with him," the former Esperance coach explained.
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The player also had an assessment at Wydad Casablanca from December last year, but head coach Rulani Mokwena decided against bringing him on board.
Chances of Masandawana signing the lanky forward could also depend on whether Peter Shalulile will leave at the end of the season, with interest in him from the Middle East reportedly growing.