Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Mohau Nkota has set his sights on refining his finishing skills as he aims to become a more decisive figure for the Buccaneers.
The 20-year-old talent, brimming with potential, has shown flashes of brilliance but acknowledges that there is room for growth in his performances.
Nkota, who earned his promotion to the first team in July last year, wasted no time in announcing himself to the footballing world. He lit up his debut match with a remarkable brace, securing a 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC and leaving fans eager to see more of his attacking prowess.
However, the early promise has been accompanied by challenges, as the young winger has struggled to maintain that goal-scoring momentum.
In the 24 appearances he has made across all competitions since his debut, Nkota has contributed four goals and three assists—respectable numbers for a player adapting to the intensity of top-flight football but short of his personal ambitions.
Recognizing the need to elevate his game, Nkota spoke candidly on Pirates TV about his desire to improve: “I started the season so well, but as we got deeper into the campaign, I haven’t contributed as much as I had hoped. I expected to assist more and score more goals. Right now, I have some assists, but they are not as many as I would like,” said Nkota.
“I know I need to improve my finishing. A lot of times, my shots go over the poles, so I must work on my shooting range and composure in front of goal.” – he remarked.
Despite the hurdles, Nkota’s determination to hone his craft is evident. He has identified his finishing as a key area of focus, striving to become more clinical in front of goal. His resolve reflects not only his hunger for success but also his commitment to becoming a vital player for Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs.
Nkota’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges young players face in professional football. Balancing early success with the pressure to perform consistently is no easy task, but his openness to self-improvement and hard work bodes well for his future.
Despite his personal frustrations, Nkota remains a key part of Jose Riveiro’s squad and will have a chance to prove himself when Pirates host MC Alger in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.