Nkota Aims To Replicate Tshabalala’s History
Bafana Bafana attacker Mohau Nkota says he hopes to make history like Siphiwe Tshabalala by scoring the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico.
Bafana Bafana, who were placed in Pot 1, were drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the European playoff (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or the Republic of Ireland), which will be decided in March next year.
The opening match will see Bafana Bafana face Mexico on 11 June 2026 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, one of the largest and most historic stadiums in world football.
This fixture is a repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener, played exactly 16 years earlier on 11 June 2010 at FNB Stadium in South Africa.
That match ended in a 1-1 draw, remembered forever for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning opener before Rafael Márquez equalised for Mexico.
“For me, I just want to go there and score the first goal,” Nkota told SuperSport TV.
“I want to open the tournament with the first goal of the FIFA World Cup.”
Nkota, whose career is still in its infancy, joined Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia from Orlando Pirates during the off-season and has already scored some spectacular goals.
He recently unleashed a thunderous strike as Bafana Bafana thrashed Zambia 3-0 in a friendly at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last month.
He also played a key role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup in October, scoring against Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers in September.
At the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the USA, Bafana will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time. They came close in both 2002 and 2010, collecting four points in each tournament.
“I won’t say these are easy teams — they’re all top teams,” Nkota added.
“For us, it’s about going there, improving ourselves, keeping our heads up, and performing well in the games.”
The World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Argentina are the reigning world champions, having won the 2022 tournament in Qatar by beating France on penalties.
The full fixture list and venues for the 2026 tournament are expected to be announced on Saturday.
