Broos Heap Praise On Nkota For His Intensity And Impact
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has praised the impact and aggression shown by Mohau Nkota, who scored and provided an assist in South Africa’s 3–1 victory over Zambia in a friendly match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
Nkota, who moved from Orlando Pirates to Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia during the off-season, has shown significant growth in his game since joining the Saudi Pro League outfit.
Introduced at the start of the second half, Nkota made an immediate impression. He cut inside and drilled a powerful shot past Toaster Nsabata, before delivering a pinpoint corner that Sphephelo Sithole headed home for his first international goal.
These contributions came after Oswin Appollis had opened the scoring for Bafana on the stroke of halftime. Appollis was substituted during the break, making way for Nkota.
“I think Mohau played a very good game,” Broos told SABC Sport.
“He was very aggressive, very quick and very dangerous. Overall, we didn’t do enough today. We were a little bit soft, and the tempo of the game wasn’t high in certain moments — or not high enough.
“But that can happen. It’s a challenge. Today was one of those days.”
Seeking to give other players a chance to stake their claim, Broos also made defensive adjustments at halftime, substituting Mbekezeli Mbokazi for Khulumani Ndamane, who partnered Nkosinathi Sibisi at the back.
He further replaced captain Ronwen Williams with Sipho Chaine, emphasising the importance of spreading opportunities in what was Bafana’s final match before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off from 21 December to 18 January.
The Belgian mentor explained that he wants to avoid a situation at AFCON where injuries or suspensions leave the squad short on depth.
“That’s important — to have options,” Broos said.
“At any moment, there can be an injury or a suspension. You have to be ready. That’s why today’s game was important, to give players a chance.
“At the back we have Sibisi — I’ve known him for four years, you can always count on him. But there are also players behind him.
“I’m thinking of Siyabonga Ngezana, for example. I didn’t call him up now because I wanted to see the other guys.
“With the preparation we’ll have in December, I think we will be fine.”
