Five reasons Mohau Nkota could be Bafana Bafana’s breakout star at 2026 Fifa World Cup

THE PASSION of a true fan is something beautiful. When a trophy is lifted after a hard tournament or a thrilling league season, the fan has no hesitation in declaring “WE” won!

Teams and individual players become “our” team, “our” boys, and “our” girls. Mind you, it’s not all about winning and success; when our teams or players lose, the fans are right there, backing them up, declaring, ”we” will be back.

It’s this beautiful, passionate “fandom” that has many Kimberley fans thrilled at the prospect of rallying behind the Bafana Bafana team as they prepare for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The city’s fans are feeling that excitement as one of their own, Mohau Nkota, prepares to join Bafana Bafana for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the Americas. 

Here’s why Nkota is emerging as one of South Africa’s brightest football prospects.

1. Out to recreate one of SA’s greatest World Cup moments

The echoes of the 2010 Fifa World Cup still resonate, and Nkota has made it clear he wants to follow in Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala’s footsteps. Tshabalala scored the opening goal against Mexico, lighting up Soccer City and igniting national pride during Africa’s first-ever World Cup.

“I want to score the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup,” Nkota declared confidently after the fixtures were announced recently. In fact, he has spent hours studying videos of Tshabalala’s strike, determined to leave his own mark.

“I won’t say it’s easy. The participating teams are all the best teams, but for us, it’s just to go and prove ourselves, raise our hands, and we will do better in the games,” Nkota said, showing both ambition and realism. 

So with thousands of Mexican fans expected at Azteca Stadium for the opening game against Mexico on June 11, Nkota’s focus and determination will be under the spotlight.

2. Motivated by Bafana legends

Nkota’s ambitions have the backing of national legend Shaun Bartlett, Bafana’s second all-time leading scorer with 29 goals. Bartlett challenged Nkota to emulate him by scoring a brace at the 2026 World Cup.

"I gave Mohau Nkota the challenge – I said, 'Listen, I stopped playing 20 years ago and I'm still second all-time leading goalscorer, I want you to break that record and I want you to score two goals in a World Cup, and he's taken the challenge," Bartlett said.

Bartlett added that the first game against Mexico is the most crucial. "We've also shown we can go away from home and get results, and I think that's important – the boys shouldn't be overwhelmed playing the hosts. It will be tough, there's no doubt about it, but I think our boys are more than equipped to get a positive result – we need a positive result in the first game. 

“Everybody wants to get to the knockout stages, but the first game is the most important to build on from to see how far we can go."

3. Confidence and ability to rise to the moment

Nkota has already begun proving himself at the international level. In a recent friendly against Zambia, he came off the bench to score a stunning curler in a 3-1 win, demonstrating his talent and composure. This performance highlighted the growing depth of Bafana’s attacking options under coach Hugo Broos and confirmed Nkota’s readiness to compete on the biggest stages.

His ability to make an impact from the number 10 role and his past experience with Orlando Pirates show that he is more than capable of meeting both Bartlett’s expectations and his own high ambitions.

4. Part of a new battle for iconic jersey

Nkota is competing with Relebohile Mofokeng for the coveted number 10 jersey for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The shirt carries a legacy in South African football, worn in recent years by stars such as Percy Tau, Thulani Serero, and Sibusiso Vilakazi. 

Going further back, Steven Pienaar wore it during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

This battle for the number 10 jersey not only showcases Nkota’s talent but also connects him to the lineage of South African players entrusted with one of the team’s most prestigious roles.

5. He carries a legacy — and a nation — into 2026

From the streets of Kimberley to the world stage, Nkota embodies both local pride and national hope. Fans will be watching as he chases his “Tshabalala moment” and seeks to etch his name into South Africa’s World Cup history. Bartlett’s challenge and Nkota’s own ambitions create a compelling storyline: one young player with the chance to carry a city, a team, and a nation forward.

As Bafana Bafana steps into Group A, to take on co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and a Uefa play-off winner, all eyes will be on players like Nkota to inspire, perform, and unite South African supporters across the globe. 

And one thing is sure, the supporters in Kimberley will be cheering him on every step of the way.