Nkota relishing maiden AFCON as Broos’ backing fuels rising Bafana star

MOHAU Nkota is excitedly anticipating his maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and is confident of doing well thanks largely to the backing of a crucial teammate.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

Now plying his trade in the Saudi Arabian League for Al Ettifaq, the former Orlando Pirates attacker has established himself as a key member of Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana squad and is expected to play a major role in South Africa's quest for the continental title, three decades after they were crowned African champions. And the winger, who has just turned twenty-one, is in no doubt he will play a pivotal role in Morocco.

“For me, I am very excited. I am going to be with the guys once again; to be with them one more time.

“So I am confident about the AFCON for me because the guys really help me (perform well for Bafana) a lot.”

Of particular help to Nkota, in allowing him to play his natural game of running at defenders, is right-back Khuliso Mudau, who made the Buccaneers Diski graduate feel at home in the squad from the outset.