Nkota Confident Bafana will rise as knockout test approaches

Bafana Bafana have navigated a tense but ultimately productive start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign and will now turn their full attention to the round of 16 clash against Cameroon as they look to keep their hopes of a second continental title alive.

South Africa advanced after finishing second in their group on six points, one behind group winners Egypt. A stern test now awaits Hugo Broos’ side, with Group F runners-up Cameroon set to provide the latest challenge.

What is clear, however, is that the competition will only intensify from this point onward, with the path forward also potentially setting up a clash with tournament hosts Morocco, who face Tanzania in the last 16.

Victories over Angola (2–1) and Zimbabwe (3–2), coupled with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Egypt, underlined a group stage that was far from straightforward for Bafana. While performances have fluctuated, results have been enough, and the Belgian coach will be hoping for a more convincing display as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

Midfielder Mohau Nkota had a telling impact in the final group-stage win against Zimbabwe, even though he has quietly gone about his business during the tournament, featuring primarily from the bench.

Broos will be hoping the right winger continues to play a crucial role in Bafana’s progression following his involvement in winning a timely penalty in the Southern African derby win this past Monday.

Despite limited minutes, the former Orlando Pirates player remains satisfied with contributing whenever called upon.

“I got a chance to kick and we won a penalty, but coming on as a substitute, you are someone who is supposed to contribute to the team. As a winger who plays forward, I was happy to contribute in the second half,” Nkota reflected on the previous match.

“Nothing was happening on the bench. We knew that the guys were capable of doing what they needed to do on the field of play, as winning was the only thing we wanted to do, and we were happy to get it.

“Sitting on the bench, you sometimes see things that can be improved on the pitch, but when you get onto the pitch, it’s not always easy to do so.”

With a demanding knockout fixture looming, the 21-year-old remained unfazed by the prospect of facing the Indomitable Lions, instead backing his teammates to rise to the occasion.

“Whoever we play, we will be ready and prepared. We will show the hunger and focus we have always shown for the next game.

“It will be vital for us to recover and train well and also ensure that there are no injuries before the game.”

As he continues to push for a return to the starting line-up, Nkota believes improved performances will follow as the tournament progresses.

“It will not take long to get the Mohau that we know. It is just a matter of time, as we have had some issues that needed to be sorted out, but we will get the Mohau Nkota that we want in the next games.

“It is not an easy tournament, it’s a tough one, but I have to work hard and help the team,” he concluded.