Mohau Nkota makes a bold AFCON promise after struggling to make impact

Prior to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota had been consistently delivering for Bafana Bafana.

However, he has not been that influential in the biennial competition, which is not what the fans had anticipated. He struggled in the 2-1 win over Angola in Group B, before droping to the bench in the 1-0 loss to Egypt.

The 21-year-old, however, came from the bench to win a penalty as Hugo Broos’ men defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 to seal their place in the Last 16 after finishing second, behind the Pharaohs.

The Al-Ettifaq player has conceded he has not been at his best, but will soon step up to help the national team deliver especially in the crucial knockout phase.

Just a matter of time before you see the real Nkota

Sitting on the bench you realise, you won’t see everything, but you will realise some of the things you can do better, but when you get on the field, it’s not easy to get the chances to do so,” he told the media.

“I got the chance, and it happened that we got a penalty, but coming on as a sub, making an impact for the team, being someone who wants to contribute, it’s something we have to do as a winger – so I’m happy to have contributed.

“It won’t take time to get the Mohau we know, it’s just a matter of time, we had some issues we had to sort out, so I think we’ll get that Mohau Nkota you know in the next game.

“It’s not an easy tournament, it’s a tough one and it won’t become easier as we go further, so for me it’s to man up, work hard and help the team,” Nkota concluded.

Bafana Bafana will play either Cameroon or Ivory Coast in the Last 16.