Former Kaizer Chiefs star Willard Katsande has made an interesting prediction about Bafana Bafana talent Mohau Nkota ahead of the upcoming 2025 AFCON.
Bafana Bafana are gearing up for what could be a deep run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], which will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Placed in Group B alongside giants Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe, South Africa start the tournament as favourites to top the group.
Coach Hugo Broos has a wealth of talent to choose from, with a host of promising players emerging from the Betway Premiership – among them Masindi Nemtajela, Thabo Moloisane and others.
However, it is former Kaizer Chiefs star Willard Katsande who believes that Nkota in particular could become the team’s trump card. The 21‑year‑old winger moved from Orlando Pirates to Al‑Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia prior to the start of the 2025/26 season.
Broos was not entirely pleased with Nkota’s transfer. “I’m not so happy when young players go to such teams, but okay, it’s a choice he made. Let’s hope everything goes on as it has been,” Broos said after the move.
WHAT WILLARD KATSANDE SAID ABOUT BAFANA TALENT, NKOTA
Despite the initial reservations, Katsande is convinced that the Saudi experience has taken Nkota’s game to the next level.
“When it comes to South Africa, they have a number of good players, but I would single out Nkota,” Katsande told FARPost. “Although his current club is in Saudi Arabia – not Europe – the quality of football there is high, and he’s performing at the highest level.”
He added that Nkota’s impact is evident even when he returns to Bafana Bafana duty. “You can see the difference when he comes back to the national team. This boy is continuously growing, and his game is improving. He’s a difference‑maker, as shown in the 1‑1 draw versus Nigeria [in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]. He’s direct, dynamic and athletic.”
Katsande expects Nkota to have a huge impact at the AFCON, especially after his rapid rise. “He’s meeting them there in Saudi [stars like Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez], so there’s nothing new for him – he’ll definitely be the ace up their [Bafana] sleeve,” Katsande added.
Nkota has already made an impression in Saudi Arabia, scoring two goals in the Saudi Pro League and becoming a regular starter for Al‑Ettifaq, appearing in eight league matches. For Bafana Bafana, he has two goals from seven caps.
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