The pressure cooker of a major international tournament is a unique test, especially for a young talent carrying the hopes of a nation. This is the crucible in which Bafana Bafana’s 21-year-old winger, Mohau Nkota, finds himself at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While his performances have drawn criticism, a voice of experience and empathy has risen in his defense: former Orlando Pirates and Bafana star Lebohang “Cheeseboy” Mokoena.
Nkota’s AFCON journey has been a rollercoaster, mirroring the unpredictable nature of tournament football. He started in the opener against Angola but was substituted at half-time—a clear signal from the technical team. He was then dropped entirely for the crucial clash with Egypt, a tactical decision that spoke volumes. His return came from the bench against Zimbabwe, where he made a tangible impact by winning the penalty that secured South Africa’s progression. This sequence alone is a masterclass in the emotional and psychological demands placed on a young player.
Mokoena backs Nkota to perform against Bafana
On the SoccerBeat podcast, Mokoena cut through the noise of social media criticism with a nuanced perspective. “I have been reading a lot of comments about Nkota,” he acknowledged. “Obviously, the boy did not perform well since his AFCON debut; he probably knows it as well. Yes, we wanted Nkota to show us what he has been doing throughout the qualifiers.”
Mokoena’s key argument hinges on context and development. He emphasizes that this is Nkota’s first major tournament, a stage that magnifies every touch and decision. “It’s not easy for a youngster to walk into those shoes and have to deliver, score, and create goals,” he stated, highlighting the monumental leap from domestic or even qualifying football to the AFCON knockout stages.
However, Mokoena’s defense is not blind faith; it’s a constructive critique from a former winger who understands the role’s intricacies. He identifies a specific tactical adjustment Nkota must make: “The alternation between him and Tshepang Moremi or doing better on the left-hand side is important.” This points to a need for greater versatility and understanding of in-game partnerships.
Should Hugo Broos start with Nkota or Moremi?
Most insightfully, Mokoena pinpoints the core issue that often separates potential from consistent performance at the highest level. “I think he just needs to work on that, get his confidence, and also try to alternate his game because I feel like he is just too one-dimensional. He does the same thing over and over again.” This “one-dimensional” assessment is crucial. Opponents at AFCON study players relentlessly; a predictable winger is a neutralized winger. Mokoena is calling for Nkota to develop a ‘Plan B’—whether it’s cutting inside, varying his crosses, or linking play differently—to become a persistent threat.
This situation transcends Nkota. It reflects the broader challenge for South African football: managing the transition of exciting qualifiers heroes into reliable tournament performers. The patience Mokoena advocates is not about excusing poor play, but about investing in a player’s long-term growth under extreme pressure. As Bafana Bafana prepare for their high-stakes round of 16 clash against Cameroon, the management of Nkota’s talent—when to protect him, when to challenge him, and how to rebuild his confidence—becomes a microcosm of the team’s own developmental philosophy on the continental stage.