MOHAU Nkota. Relebohile Mofokeng. These two youngsters have fond memories of their last three visits to north Africa this season.
As such when Orlando Pirates navigate their last pathway to the CAF Champions League final all eyes will be on them.
Pirates will face Pyramids at 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Friday (8pm) in the semi-final second leg on the back of a stalemate in Orlando a week ago.
The Sea Robbers need to win the game or at least play to a scoring draw to sail to the last hurdle – the final of the competition since 2013.
🏆 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL SF 2nd Leg
✈️ Landed in Cairo- We’re here on business 🛬
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/N7m9S2E9KJ
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) April 22, 2025
But given that they’ll have Nkota and Mofokeng at their disposal that will be a double-dose of boost on top of the fact that Pyramids do not have an away goal.
The 20-year-olds have made five goal contributions between them this season in north Africa, scoring four goals and registering one assist.
Nkota, who was making his first international trip with the team, showed that he has nerves of steel as he scored a brace in the 2–1 win over CR Belouizdad of Algeria.
The opener, which calmed his nerves, was assisted by none other than Mofokeng, who played with him during their days in the reserves.
The duo might both be of the same age, and played together in the youth structures, but Mofokeng is Nkota’s senior in professional football at Pirates.
Mofokeng has shown vast maturity this season, even catching the eye of Bafana Bafana’s coach Hugo Broos whose faith in him was rewarded in the World Cup qualifiers.
⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 ℂ𝕌ℙ ℚ𝕌𝔸𝕃𝕀𝔽𝕀𝔼ℝ𝕊 ⚽️
🥅 ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Rele Mofokeng break the deadlock!
🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇱🇸
🚨 LIVE
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📱 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/2tcXQhG30w— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 21, 2025
Mofokeng scored on his first full start in the qualifier against Lesotho, proving why he’s already head and shoulders above the rest mates.
However, those who’ve been following in club football will tell you Mofokeng had long matured and is no stage fright – having already scored at a big clash in Egypt.
Mofokeng silenced the Cairo International Stadium when he scored the opener in the 2-1 win over African’s best club, Al Ahly, in Pirates’ last game in the group stage.
Mofokeng and Nkota’s goals ensured that the team finished the group stage unbeaten as they set a date with another Algerian side, MC Alger, in the knockout stage.
Nkota’s love story in Algeria continued as he scored the lone goal in the first leg, resulting in the Pirates winning the tie 1-0 after the second leg in Orlando ended in a stalemate.
HIGHLIGHTS 📹
Orlando Pirates earn a vital away win over MC Alger after Nkota’s finish. 🤩#TotalEnergiesCAFCL | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/izbRiial4V
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 2, 2025
The focal point will be on ‘cocomelon football’ in Cairo as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 19, will also be available for selection after he was withdrawn from the U20 Afcon bound squad recently.
With Pirates still chasing a quadruple, including the Nedbank Cup and Betway Premiership after having won the MTN8, they felt they needed one of their best centre-back at their disposal.
Mbokazi has fitted into the Bucs defence like a seasoned campaigner in recent months, thanks to his timely tackles, passing abilities and long-range shots.
But while he, Nkota and Mofokeng could eventually decide Pirates/ fate – help the team reach their first continental final in 12 years – the seniors need to ensure that they are always on standby to cover for them.
Coach Jose Riveiro has emphasised that while people might be raving about the incredible job youngsters have done this season, there’ll be a time when they make mistakes.
And given the fact that Pyramids have lived up to Riveiro’s sentiments as “their toughest opponents yet in the competition”, the wheels might come off in Cairo.
So, it’s key for every member of the team to put their best foot forward especially considering that a continental final could add another milestone in Riveiro’s last dance at the club.
