Inside the Khumalo–Nkota exchange that sparked fan curiosity after Bafana’s win

SPORT often gives us unforgettable moments on the field, but every so often something unexpected happens away from the action that captures just as much attention. 

That was the case in the tunnel at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 win over Zambia, when a brief exchange between Doctor Khumalo and Kimberley-born Mohau Nkota set social media buzzing.

Fans were left wondering what the Bafana legend had said to the rising national team player, who left Orlando Pirates during pre-season to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where he has quickly become a regular. 

Nkota is also part of Hugo Broos’ squad selected for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Hailing from Galeshewe in Kimberley, Nkota’s journey from township fields to the international stage has already sparked widespread pride across the province. Following an eye-catching debut season with Orlando Pirates and impressive outings in the CAF Champions League, Nkota joined one of the Saudi Pro League’s top teams, sharing the field with global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Recently, Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika called Nkota’s achievement “a defining moment for the Northern Cape.”

The MEC said in a statement. “He is a beacon of hope for all our young athletes, proving that greatness can emerge from our communities when hard work meets opportunity.”

Nkota made history too, when he became the first player from the Northern Cape to transition directly from the DStv Premiership to an elite overseas league, a rare feat that underscores not just his determination, but the untapped sporting potential within the province.

All this is what the legendary Doctor admired in the young man.

What the Doctor shared

Khumalo later explained that he had been impressed by how Nkota has matured on the field, pointing to the goal he scored in the friendly against Zambia. He shared what the young winger had told him about adapting to life abroad and how the move has pushed him to grow.

“What I said to Nkota, I was like wow what a goal boy, your game has matured,” said Khumalo during a recent interview.

“He was like also, ‘Thank you legend, even Saudi is challenging me’. I said to him I don’t care whether it’s getting tougher and tougher, please be strong, don’t come back home.

“Try perhaps to take your game to Europe and make a living out of it. So, that’s what I said to him.”

Khumalo said the exchange stemmed simply from admiration for Nkota’s progress and a belief that testing himself in challenging environments will benefit the young player’s long-term career.