Nkota Reveals Key Factors Behind His Rapid Rise

Bafana Bafana and Al-Ettifaq winger Mohau Nkota has spoken out on what made him the player he is now in such a short time.

Nkota was promoted to the first team of the Buccaneers in the latter stage of the 2023/24 season.

However, the 21-year-old had to wait to get his debut as he managed to do it in the 2024/25 season, where he did against Magesi in the Carling Knockout round of 16.

Since that game, Nkota was the one who started as a right winger, as Monnapule Saleng was sidelined for almost the rest of the season.

The former Pirates winger played more than 30 games last season in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting five goals. Interestingly, four of the seven goals he scored were in the CAF Champions League, and he assisted two goals.

Nkota also helped Pirates to win the MTN8 and reached the semifinal of the Champions League, and also reached the final of the Nedbank Cup. His performance in just one season attracted the interest of the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, who signed him during the off-season.

In the Saudi Pro League, Nkota has scored two goals and assisted two goals in just nine games played.

The 21-year-old had also since made his debut in Bafana this year, and he is the one who always starts as a right winger and has scored two goals since making his debut in June.

“For me, I would say the discipline and being the person I am really helped me to be the person I am today,” he said.

“From the Orlando Pirates DDC, I was treated nicely. Most of the players at Pirates also treat you nicely. If you’re a young player, they make sure that you are really dedicated to the work and keep your discipline.

“So, I think that really helped me a lot to be the player I am now, and I think the CAF also helped to focus more.

“The chance at Pirates is there for us as young players; everything depends on us, and we must keep the discipline.

“I think we make sure that we do our work well and deliver everything well every day. We always keep discipline and focus on our game, and that really helps us a lot because even when the opportunity arrives, the club releases us.

“Since playing for Bafana this year, Nkota also revealed what makes them perform well, and also how captain Ronwen Williams plays a huge role in making sure that Bafana Bafana perform well.

“As Bafana Bafana, we believe in ourselves, and everywhere we play you can see that we trust ourselves and also trust each other,” he added.

“So, for us, it’s just to be there and be united. Our captain (Ronwen Williams) really motivates us. He usually talks with me and tells me that I must be myself and play my normal football because that will give me confidence.”

Nkota will make his debut in Africa Cup of Nations later this month in Morocco as he is included in coach Hugo Broos’ 25-man squad for the AFCON.