Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates is quickly building a reputation for himself. BackpagePix
After their dream start in the CAF Champions League in a victorious midweek fixture against hosts CR Belouizdad of Algeria, Orlando Pirates will be looking to unleash their new-found weapon Mohau Nkota against Stellenbosch FC tomorrow.
Pirates, the unbeaten Betway Premiership log leaders, return to local action at Orlando Stadium’s 'Slaughter House' for a fixture against visiting Stellenbosch (3.30pm kickoff).
In Algeria, Pirates' goals in their 2-1 win were scored by 20-year-old Nkota. It was his fourth goal for Pirates after only seven games. He has been overwhelmed by his remarkable form, and afterwards, he remarked in a post-match interview in Algeria:
“It’s hard to say what this means to me,” Nkota said after the game. “To score twice in such an important match is a dream come true. I am so grateful for everyone who believed in me, and this incredible club.”
Nowadays, all Pirates opponents will point to the 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng as the team's most dangerous player, but Nkota is likely to be given as much attention in the upcoming games. Pirates’ manager José Riveiro can also count on Patrick Maswanganyi as a dangerous weapon, and if he includes all three stars, the fanatical 'Ghost' will have a field day in Orlando.
Stellenbosch might be vulnerable after they tasted defeat on Wednesday night in Mali, where they went down 2-0 to Stade Malien in a CAF Confederation Cup group stage opener.
Stellenbosch only arrived back in Cape Town on Friday afternoon, and they fly out for tomorrow’s clash today.
Their coach Steve Barker was unhappy with the result, but he fielded a young side with nine players aged 23 or younger. There is not much turnaround time, and he'll very likely field mostly players who were rested for the clash in Mali.
“It’s not the result we wanted, and it was a bit disappointing. I don’t think they were the better team,” said Barker.
“They got a big, deflected goal which was the only chance they created in the first half, and while we didn’t create much ourselves, we did hit the crossbar early in the match.
“In the second half, they stopped playing and allowed us more possession, which we probably didn’t use well enough. Our final third execution wasn’t of the level required.
“We lost 2-0 but I believe they were beatable today and I am confident that when we play them back at home, we will be able to overturn the result.
“But it was a learning curve for us and a good experience. During the game, we played nine players aged 23 or younger, so there is a lot of learning to be done.
“There were certain areas where we are a better team than we demonstrated.”
Given the midweek form of the two teams, everything points to Pirates maintaining their winning run. They have been in sensational form this season and are currently on a five-game winning streak (and a run of 12 victories from 13 outings) across all competitions.
In the Premiership, they have a full haul of 21 points from seven matches.
In other Sunday Premiership action, Golden Arrows host Cape Town City FC, and struggling Polokwane City will play the in-form visitors TS Galaxy.
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