EXCLUSIVE: Rising star Nkota talks TotalEnergies CAF Champions League success and Pirates’ ambitions

Former African champions Orlando Pirates have started their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage campaign on a strong note, securing a 2-1 victory against CR Belouizdad in Algeria before holding defending champions Al Ahly to a 0-0 draw at home.

A key figure in this early success has been 20-year-old forward Mohau Nkota, who has burst onto the scene with two goals in his debut match.

Nkota, promoted from Pirates’ development ranks, has quickly emerged as one of the competition’s joint top scorers and is confident about the Buccaneers’ chances in the tournament.

Ahead of their crucial Group C clash against Stade d’Abidjan, CAFOnline.com spoke to the young star about his performances, goals, and Orlando Pirates’ ambitions.

CAFOnline.com: You’ve had an excellent start to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with two goals in two matches. What has contributed to your good form so far?

Mohau Nkota: What has contributed is the great support I have from my teammates and the technical team. We all work equally hard as a collective for the team. Our first CAF Champions League game gave us three points, and now we want to get another three to move up. I am working hard for the team and not for myself, and that helps us push harder for results.

CAFOnline.com: Your performances have helped Orlando Pirates secure four points and sit joint top of your group with Al Ahly. What do you think is behind the team’s strong performances this season?

Mohau Nkota: My form has helped the team, and I always do my best when given an opportunity. This is a strong team that pushes collectively, and we have many players hungry to play. Every player who gets a chance wants to do well. The preparation is consistent, and that eagerness is what drives us to perform.

CAFOnline.com: How does it feel to be among the joint top scorers in the competition, and how are you managing the pressure that comes with that spotlight?

Mohau Nkota: The team comes first, then the players and the technical staff. When it’s time for me to score, I do it to help the team because everything I do is for us to succeed. It’s a good thing for me personally, but I need to focus more on scoring and helping the team achieve its goals.

CAFOnline.com: Africa is beginning to take notice of your performances. What personal goals have you set for yourself at this stage of your career?

Mohau Nkota: My main focus is always on the team and following the instructions of the coaches. People might think I’m doing this for myself, but it’s all about helping the team win and compete in the Champions League. If I win any awards, they’ll be for the entire team because it’s their support that makes it possible.

CAFOnline.com: This weekend, you face a wounded Stade d’Abidjan side eager to bounce back after two losses. What kind of match are you expecting, and how are you preparing for it?

Mohau Nkota: We have prepared well. Our focus is on getting three points and sticking to our game plan. We know it’s their home, but we’ll play the way we’ve prepared. It’s a talented team, so we’ll need to work hard to compete. It’s still early in the group stages, but winning this match is vital.

CAFOnline.com: How far do you believe Orlando Pirates can go in this year’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League?

Mohau Nkota: We believe we can reach the final, but we need to stay humble and focus on winning every remaining game while improving ourselves.

CAFOnline.com: You faced reigning champions Al Ahly in your last game, which ended in a goalless draw. How challenging was that match, and what lessons can you take into the return leg?

Mohau Nkota: Al Ahly is one of the biggest teams in Africa. We were happy to get a point, but we’ll need to compete harder when we meet them again. For now, our focus is on Stade d’Abidjan.

CAFOnline.com: With both Pirates and Al Ahly tied on points, are you confident your team can defeat them in the return match to secure the group’s top spot?

Mohau Nkota: For now, we not going to focus much on Al Ahly because we have played them and will only play them again next year. Our focus is now on Stade Abidjan so I think for me what we have to do is compete, be strong and focus because we have been preparing the whole week so ours is to go out there and show them what we can do. Once that is done, we can then focus on Al Ahly when that fixture comes.

CAFOnline.com: Your compatriots Mamelodi Sundowns have set high standards in recent years. Do you believe this is the season for Orlando Pirates to outshine them?

Mohau Nkota: We’re focused on ourselves, not Sundowns. We already have a star on our badge, and now we want another. Our aim is to be the best and achieve our own goals.

CAFOnline.com: What do you think Orlando Pirates need to do to go all the way and win the title this year?

Mohau Nkota: I think we just need to work on ourselves and remain humble at all times.

CAFOnline.com: As a striker, how do you approach games in such high-stakes competitions, and how do you ensure you stay composed in front of goal?

Mohau Nkota: I approach every game as a big game. Coming to this one, when I get a chance, I will try my best to put the ball inside the net and do all this for my team. That is why everything I get from the coach, I do it for the team. 

CAFOnline.com: This season has seen Pirates showcase a blend of youth and experience. How do you think this balance has influenced your performances and the team’s overall success?

Mohau Nkota: We have a lot of players and most of the senior players have been talking to us, motivating us and telling us about the team. They are trying to help us because they have been through this. It is a good thing because we have a lot of experienced players who can help us through this thing, and they have been doing so since the season started, and we are happy to have them (senior players) with us.

CAFOnline.com: What message do you have for Orlando Pirates fans who continue to support the team in this campaign?

Mohau Nkota: To our fans, thank you for coming to support us and coming out in numbers. We are happy with the support they give us and encourage them to keep doing it while we also do our best to make them proud.