Al-Ettifaq FC attacker Mohau Nkota has opened up on the crushing disappointment of missing out on Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, describing the pain of his pre-tournament injury as “indescribable.”
The talented winger was one of the notable absentees from Bafana’s 26-man squad that will participate in the World Cup co-hosted in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
Nkota sustained a knee injury at his club Al-Ettifaq FC in the Saudi Pro League before the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The left-footed winger is in his first season with Al-Ettifaq after joining the club ahead of the previous campaign from the Betway Premiership champions, Orlando Pirates.
Before signing with Al-Ettifaq, Nkota had an impressive breakout season with the Buccaneers after gaining promotion from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side in the 2024/25 season.
In his first season at Pirates, he scored seven goals and provided five assists in 39 appearances under the then-head coach Jose Riveiro.
Following his rise to prominence in Pirates colours, the 20-year-old completed a move to Saudi Arabia to continue his growth as one of the best South African wingers.
As a result of his rapid growth, Nkota has been a regular feature in Hugo Broos’ Bafana squad, and he was part of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
WHAT NKOTA SAID ABOUT MISSING THE WORLD CUP
Having established himself as one of Broos’ trusted soldiers in the past few months, Nkota was left out of the global showpiece in North America after sustaining an injury that will see him sidelined for the coming weeks.
Reflecting on the heartbreak of missing the World Cup, Nkota took to Instagram to express his pain, revealing that he did everything he could to be fit for the tournament.
“I hardly know where to begin, but it hurts indescribably to have to miss the biggest tournament. I did everything I could to be fit for the World Cup,” Mohau Nkota said.
“Unfortunately, injuries often strike at the most unfortunate times. I wish my team every success and will, of course, be supporting them every minute of the way. I’ll to come back stronger, I promise. Thanks for the supportive messages.”
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