Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios is not panicking at the prospect of winger Mohau Nkota missing out on the Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
After joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq from Pirates in July 2025, Nkota has struggled to replicate the form that made him a household name in the Betway Premiership. He has been in and out of the Al Ettifaq matchday squad as he battles to make an impact.
Just two goals and three assists in 20 appearances mark his season so far after arriving in Saudi Arabia with high expectations on him. That club form also showed in the national team, where he managed just two appearances at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
What could compromise his Bafana position is missing the back-to-back March international friendlies against Panama. The 21-year-old excused himself from coach Hugo Broos’ final squad after making the initial selection.
Struggling for regular football at Al Ettifaq, even when sometimes used as a wing-back, there are fears Nkota might not make Broos’ World Cup squad.
PALACIOS PLAYS DOWN NKOTA ISSUE BEFORE WORLD CUP
“Nothing wrong when players do not play at a club because of their current form. It happens in football, and it does not take away the qualities of a player,” Palacios told FARPost. “The coach [Broos] is looking at the performance of the player when he is in good form. Forget about what is happening to the player. It’s normal not to play.
“At the moment, every player needs to perform at the World Cup, and the coach knows the ones who can perform well. I’m sure he also knows that Nkota can perform well if he gives him a chance. The 23 or 26-man squad is not selected yet, and the coach continues to watch.
“Broos likes players who play overseas, and Nkota plays overseas. And now he plays as a right back as well. You see, that is an advantage for him.
“I think the coach knows him and what he can deliver. Broos has called him in the past. It’s up to Broos; the coach knows what he needs. You will be surprised that he will play for the national team when some people think he is out.”
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