Bafana Bafana’s Mohau Nkota has admitted fans have not seen the player they know at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but promises they will get to glimpse him soon.
The 21-year-old has registered eight caps for Bafana Bafana since making his debut in June and has played in two of South Africa’s AFCON group stage games, starting in the nation’s opener against Angola, but playing only the first half before coming on as a substitute in second half of Bafana’s last group game against Zimbabwe.
The winger, who earned a move to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in July, revealed he has had time to reflect on his own personal game while on the bench.
“Sitting on the bench you realise, you won’t see everything, but you will realise some of the things you can do better, but when you get on the field, it’s not easy to get the chances to do so,” Nkota said, speaking after South Africa’s 3-2 win over Zimbabwe on Monday.
“I got the chance, and it happened that we got a penalty, but coming on as a sub, making an impact for the team, being someone who wants to contribute, it’s something we have to do as a winger – so I’m happy to have contributed.
The former Buccaneer assured that he will be back to his best as South Africa’s run at the tournament continues, with the nation advancing to the round of 16.
“It won’t take time to get the Mohau we know, it’s just a matter of time, we had some issues we had to sort out, so I think we’ll get that Mohau Nkota you know in the next game.
“It’s not an easy tournament, it’s a tough one and it won’t become easier as we go further, so for me it’s to man up, work hard and help the team.”
Bafana Bafana are yet to discover their first knockout stage opponent.
