Dreams have the power to inspire and uplift but they can also be shadowed by nightmares that threaten to derail them. The Nkota story is a dream realised, and a nightmare overcome.

As the 20-year-old sprinted to the corner flag to celebrate his second goal with his teammates last night, the joy on his face, was that of a boy realising a dream coming true.However, few know that his journey was almost abruptly cut short earlier this year.

On March 24, 2024, Mohau’s career and future hung in the balance. While playing for the Pirates Diski Challenge squad in Tsakane against Kaizer Chiefs, the Kimberly-born attacker suffered a devastating neck injury which saw him being rushed to the hospital.

Nkota faced an agonising wait of uncertainty. Doctors were unsure of the extent of the injury but the symptoms he was displaying were not positive.

Club employee Thabang Lepule, who was bedside with Nkota throughout the entire ordeal recalls: “While we were waiting for the results to come out, Mohau was visibly distraught. Asking questions like, “Am I going to play again? “Is my career over? “It can’t end like this surely.”

“It was so tough because I could see that the boy was dreading the worst. We didn’t know if he would fully recover, let alone return to the sport he loved”, concluded Lepule.”

As for Mohau, he said: “It was one of the toughest moments of my life. I had recently started training with the first team, and I believe at DDC I was playing some of my best football.

“The injury came at the worst time possible. Here I am about to become a professional player, and this happens. During my 4 to 5 hours wait at the hospital, I had many thoughts coming into my head but fortunately through God’s grace, I overcame my situation.

“My return to playing was slow and taxing on me mentally because I had long dizzy spells and constant headaches.”

Slowly but surely, he fought his way back onto the pitch, defying expectations and proving that his spirit was as strong as his talent.

Fast-forward to today, the name Mohau Nkota is on the lips of the hordes of the Mighty Buccaneers supporters after his impressive display in Algeria last night.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means to me,” Nkota said after the game, visibly emotional. “To score twice in such an important match is a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for everyone who believed in me and for this incredible club.”

The youngster is slowly endearing himself to the Ghost with his performances. With only seven games into his professional career, Nkota has already notched up four goals to his name.

The Soweto Giants benefitted from a clinical first-half performance which gave them a handy lead ahead of a spirited fight back from the hosts in the second period. It is a win that places them second in their group, tied on points with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

They had to do it in front of an intimidating crowd in Algiers, but were largely unfazed as they burst out of the gates with confidence and control. It only took five minutes to strike as Relebohile Mofokeng positioned himself perfectly to collect a loose ball from the edge of the box before freeing Mohau Nkota, who coolly slotted home the opener to give his side a dream start.

The home side looked to hit back and were twice denied by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. Their best chance in the opening exchanges was thwarted by a brilliant double save from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who kept out a stinging shot from range before dealing with Islam Slimani’s effort from a rebound.

Nkota had an opportunity to double his tally on the night just eight minutes after bagging his first, but could only draw a save from the onrushing Belouizdad goalkeeper Moustafa Zeghba. Pirates managed to revive the attack from the rebound, resulting in another close call, this time from Patrick Maswanganyi who sent his shot narrowly wide.

The youngster’s second did eventually come, and it arrived in spectacular fashion when he connected with Mofokeng once more before unleashing a stunner of a shot which evaded the outstretched Zeghba.

Trailing by two, the home side intensified their efforts to get back in the game and could have pulled one back after the half-hour mark as Slimani got a sniff at the Bucs goal, only to poke his shot over the crossbar. The home team had another chance just before the break as Housseyn Selmi darted across field from the left before placing his effort inches wide.

Zeghba was called on early in the second half as he dealt with a diagonal ball from Thalente Mbatha, who looked to further extend the visitors’ lead in the 48th minute. However, most of the goalmouth action after the break occurred in the visitors’ half where replacement forwards Khanyisa Mayo and Aimen Mahious constantly threatened.

The Reds eventually found their breakthrough, and it came via the former Cape Town City men who headed in from close range to make it 2-1. The goal gave the Algerians a jolt of confidence as they continued to bear down on the visitors’ goal.

Pirates had the rare foray deep into opposition territory without creating any clear-cut chances. They mainly had to man their defensive lines amid relentless approaches from Belouizdad who were looking to salvage a point at home.

The equaliser was not forthcoming however as the Soweto Giants restricted the hosts to just a single goal, getting off to a perfect start with three points on the road.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane,Monyane (Van Rooyen 76’), Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha (Dlamini 76’), Nkota (Rasebotja 88’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng (Mako 67’), Makgopa (Mabasa 88’).

However, not the first time that Orlando Pirates face a team from Algeria.The Buccaneers have played against four different teams from that part of the world and in those seven encounters, the Soweto Giants have recorded three wins, three draws and one loss – scoring seven times and conceding three in the process.

Year Opposition Result Competition

1996 JS Kabylie 1-0 Super Cup Final
1997 USM Alger 1-2 Champions Cup
USM Alger 1-1 Champions Cup
2021 ES Setif 0-0 Confederation Cup
ES Setif 0-0 Confederation Cup
2022 JS Saoura 2-0 Confederation Cup
JS Saoura 2-0 Confederation Cup

North Versus South

Whenever clubs from Southern tip of the African continent meet teams from the North – fireworks are guaranteed. From the electric atmospheres created by passionate home fans to the contrasting styles of play, these matchups are often captivating.

Northern teams are known for their high-intensity, aggressive approach, while South African teams rely on speed and flair. This contrast sets the stage for a tactically intriguing contest, especially for football purists.

To offer deeper insight into these encounters, orlandopiratesfc.com introduces the Opposition Analysis feature for the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League campaign.
Here, we dissect and analyse each opponent in detail.

Team on the Mend

Current Form (Last 5 Matches): D-L-D-L–W-W

CR Belouizdad, affectionately known as The Reds, had a challenging start to their Algerian Premier League campaign but seem to have turned a corner with back-to-back league wins. These victories have provided a much-needed boost ahead of their Group Stage opener against Orlando Pirates. The Club recently parted ways with head coach Corentin Martins after a winless run in their first four league matches. His replacement, the highly experienced Abdelkader Amrani, has overseen four games so far, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Key Players

Islam Sliman (36 Years Old)
Despite his age, Sliman remains a key figure for CR Belouizdad. His recent performance in their 3-1 win over MC Alger demonstrated his enduring quality. Standing at 1.88m, Sliman has a wealth of experience from European football, having played for Sporting CP, Leicester City, Newcastle United, and Monaco, among others.

In six league games this season, he has scored three goals, averaging 0.50 goals per game — a rate matched only by Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa.*
*league only

Abdelraouf Benguit (28 Years Old)
The Algerian midfielder is the heartbeat of CR Belouizdad. Known for his fiery temperament, Benguit combines technical proficiency with composure and provides direction to his team. He has scored three goals in six league games, an impressive return for a midfielder. His ability to draw fouls is also a significant asset, particularly in the physical battles typical of North African football.

Abderrahmane Meziane (30 Years Old)
While Meziane is yet to score in Ligue 1 this season, his influence on the left flank cannot be overlooked. A versatile winger, Meziane excels at cutting inside onto his stronger foot, often creating opportunities for his teammates. He is a tricky customer who must not be allowed to settle into the game.

Strengths

Transitions and Wing Play
• CR Belouizdad excel in quick transitions.
• Most of their attacks originate from the flanks, driven by their wingbacks.
• Sliman serves as the focal point, holding up play effectively in transitions but also being at the end of attacks in the box.
• They pose a significant aerial threat in the box, with Sliman leading the charge.

Set-Pieces
• CR Belouizdad are formidable from set-pieces.
• Players like Sliman, Keddad, and Hadded require close marking during corners and free kicks around the box.

He was one of six Buccaneers named in the 23-man squad called up ahead of the November international break, which commenced with qualification not yet secured by Hugo Broos’ charges. That feat was however achieved before Bafana and their group’s eventual runners-up The Cranes even took to the pitch at Mandela National Stadium on Friday.

Brought on in the second half in Kampala, Maswanganyi provided the crucial second goal for the visitors who claimed a 2-0 win to move to the top of the group. His dazzling cameo earned him a start in Tuesday’s home fixture against South Sudan, where he was again on the scoresheet as he doubled South Africa’s lead in the 22nd minute en route to a comfortable 3-0.

Three more Buccaneers also featured across the two fixtures, with striker Evidence Makgopa starting against the East Africans while midfielder Thalente Mbatha was introduced late in the second half. Relebohile Mofokeng was among the unused subs along with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Sipho Chaine.

The 20-year-old did get a run in Cape Town when he was brought in to replace Maswanganyi in the 74th minute along with Sibisi, who came on to shore up the defence in place of Siyabonga Ngezane.

The Soweto Giants were also represented elsewhere on the continent as Angolan international Gilberto earned his 16th international cap when he made a seven-minute cameo in his side’s goalless draw with Sudan on Monday. This was after only appearing on the bench in the earlier fixture where the Palancas Negras played to a 1-1 stalemate against Ghana’s Black Stars.

Deon Hotto’s Namibia meanwhile could not avoid the wooden spoon in Group J, despite earning their first points of the campaign through scoreless draws against Cameroon and Kenya. The Bucs stalwart was a starter at Orlando Stadium where the Brave Warriors took on the Indomitable Lions and did not feature away to the Harambee Stars.

All eight Bucs players who departed on national duty are back in camp, joining the rest of their teammates in preparation for Tuesday night’s CAF Champions League group stage opener against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad.

The result gives the Buccaneers a significant advantage in the two-legged match-up which is scheduled to conclude at Orlando Stadium in seven days. Looking to avoid a potential banana peel, the Buccaneers had no trouble controlling possession in the opening stages of the contest but could not find a way into the hosts’ penalty area. This continued until well into the second quarter, as the visitors were unable to
make the most of a succession of set pieces that fell their way.

Monnapule Saleng did draw a save from Jwaneng goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko by going
direct with a free kick from a fair distance out seven minutes from the break, with the show stopper making a comfortable stop in the end.

Pirates kept pushing for the opener, which arrived on the stroke of halftime when Tshegofatso Mabasa capitalised on a half-hearted clearance from the home side’s defence to put the visitors ahead from the edge of the box.

Dinaledi came out guns blazing in the second half and had a chance to draw level two
minutes from the whistle. However, Gabriel Baruti misfired with his effort at goal, pushing the
ball well wide. Relebohile Mofokeng had an opportunity of his own at the other end, but was unable to
double the Buccaneers’ lead as he found the side-netting.

The two sides continued to trade shots at goal as Baruti brought out an acrobatic save from
Sipho Chaine, who tipped what looked like a goalbound shot over the bar. Thalente Mbatha
followed suit with an attempt from a fair distance out, but a deflection inside the box ensured
a comfortable save for Phoko.

The game maintained a high tempo, with Pirates eventually pulling two-goals clear in the
77th minute through Deon Hotto, who got on the end of a pass from Patrick Maswanganyi
before firing into the back of the net.

With the Buccaneers looking to see the game out, the home side had a late opportunity
through a last-gasp free kick, but could not make the most of it as Chaine was untroubled by the resultant shot. The final whistle sounded moments later, with the Soweto Giants taking a handy lead to the deciding leg.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Ndah, Sesane, Van Rooyen (Maela 86’), Hotto, Mbatha, Makhaula,
Saleng (Gilberto 86’), Maswanganyi (Rasebotja 86’), Mofokeng (Sibisi 76’), Mabasa
(Radiopane 69’).

The fixture takes place on Saturday afternoon at the National Stadium in Gaborone and is
another crucial tie for the Soweto Giants who have to navigate one more hurdle in their
quest for an extended run in Africa’s most prestigious club competition.

Form Guide
They go into the clash as the more battle-hardened of the two sides, having been involved in
knockout football domestically and in continental competition during the early part of their
2024/25 campaign. Pirates kicked off their season with a 3-1 win over SuperSport United in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 before seeing off Cape Town City over two legs of their semi-final tie, which
finished with a 3-1 aggregate score.

In between squaring off against their local rivals, they had to face the challenge posed by Madagascar outfit Disciples, who held them to a goalless draw in the away leg of the previous round of the Champions League. This was before the Buccaneers posted a convincing win at Orlando Stadium, winning 4-0 to set up another date with the men from Botswana.

For the home side, the fixture is only their third since successfully defending their Botswana
Premier League campaign. Their only other matches in the new season came in the first
preliminary round against Namibian outfit African Stars. Galaxy overcame what appeared to be a significant setback when they fell to a 1-0 defeat in their away leg. They however rallied back to force the tie into a penalty shootout, where they prevailed with a 7-5 scoreline.

Playing their third straight game at the National Stadium, they will look to make the most of
home-ground advantage ahead of the deciding leg in Soweto.

Team News
Both teams head into the fixture having spent a big chunk of the past week without a few key
first team squad members, who had departed for national duty. Goitseone Phoko and Benson Mangolo were both starters as Botswana suffered defeat at home to Egypt earlier in the week, and were among eight Galaxy players called up to the national team.

Pirates meanwhile have welcomed seven players back to camp after their involvement in the
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Jose Riveiro’s options could also soon be boosted by the imminent return to action of the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Bandile Shandu, while newly signed right-back Deano van Rooyen is finally available for selection after his move from Stellenbosch.

Players to Watch
Former Platinum Stars forward Thabang Sesinyi will be key in providing the spark up front, where he has often been deployed on the right while also capable of operating on the opposite flank as well as the centre-forward position. The veteran attacker could partner up with fellow forward Omaatla Kebatho, whose goal in the previous round proved crucial in setting up the clash against the Buccaneers.

Mangolo’s energy at either half of the pitch is an asset both on defence and attack, while
Phoko is an experienced figure between the sticks.

Head-to-Head
The two sides have had a few run-ins in continental football over the past few years, locking
horns in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup. Pirates’ first visit to the Botswana giants yielded a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg of the play-off round of the Confed Cup before they rounded off the tie with a 1-0 win at home.

Jwaneng had their revenge in the most recent encounter between the two sides as they
prevailed with a 2-1 aggregate score after winning 1-0 at the National Stadium and holding
the Soweto Giants to a 1-1 draw in the second leg at Orlando Stadium.

TV Coverage
The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 (SAST) and will be televised live on SABC Sport
and SABC+. You can also keep in touch with the action as it happens by following live
updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

The Buccaneers come into this encounter looking to avoid a potential banana skin with the match sitting on a knife edge after the First Leg ended in a goalless draw. Both clubs are yet to get off the mark but it will be the visitors who come with the slight mental edge having kept a clean sheet in the first leg encounter.

As for Riveiro and his charges. The team has to step up and dish out a performance befitting of the clubs prestige.

Player Availability

The hosts will be boosted by the return of Miguel Timm who has shaken off an injury that has kept him out of the last two matches. Another player who has been declared fit for tonight’s encounter is Thabiso Monyane. The hard-running wing back has been declared fit by the Bucs medical team after recovering from a toe injury.

Not Available

Meanwhile, apart from the list of players who are still recovering from their respective injuries, one other player who won’t be available for selection tonight is new signing Gilberto.

Gilberto, has missed the Buccaneers’ opening fixtures as he was awaiting his work permit.

However, Orlandopiratesfc.com can confirm that Gilberto has finally received the necessary paperwork to finally play in the famous Black and White. But this will only be from the next round of the CAF Champions  League qualifiers,  should Pirates win tonight.

Gilberto will be available for selection for the MTN8 clash against Cape Town City next week.

Although this won’t be the first time that the 26-year-old wears the jersey, having worn it in Pirates’ goalless draw against Madagascar’s Disciples FC last weekend.

It will be the first time he dons the famous jersey in South Africa, and not only that, but it will also be the first time he does so at the Meca of South African football – Orlando Stadium.

A stadium where legends such as Chippa Moloi and Jomo Sono cemented their legendary statuses wearing that number 10 on their backs.

“Its an honour to wear this number.  To have the number 10 jersey is not only a childhood dream of mine but also a sense of responsibility and undertaking of the expectations that it carries,” Tito told Orlandopiratesfc.com.

And so it should.

The number 10 has been worn by some of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history. Its legacy is a testament to the extraordinary individuals who have embodied the essence of football greatness. Now, this hallowed number finds a new custodian in Maswanganyi.

“I have always loved the number 10 jersey ever since I was young,” he reveals. “The first soccer shirt I ever owned was that of Real Madrid that my father had bought it for me. It was that of Figo.

“Everywhere I went, people used to call me ‘Figo’, ‘Figo’, and as a kid that sort of attention brought a smile to my face. I guess that fond memory is what cemented my relationship with that number 10 jersey.”

More than just a number

Much like the number 23 in basketball has transcended mere digits to become a symbol of excellence and iconic status, thanks to the unparalleled legacy of Michael Jordan.

His impact was so profound that the number 23 became synonymous with basketball excellence, a trend continued by the likes of LeBron James, who has embraced the number with his own remarkable achievements, further cementing its legendary status.

Similarly, at Manchester United, the number 7 jersey has become a revered symbol of footballing prowess, largely due to the extraordinary talents who have worn it. From George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and more recently Cristiano Ronaldo, the number 7 has been a hallmark of the club’s rich heritage.

Back home, the number has rarely been issued out by the club. Not because the number has been retired but rather out of respect for the legends who upheld the status of this legendary number.

The weight of this jersey is a reflection of its storied past and the high expectations it entails, elevating those who wear it to a status of unparalleled significance.

Percy Chippa Moloi, Jomo Sono, King Kaizer Matatazela Mkhwanazi, Blessing Killer Mgidi and Basil Steenkamp are some players who have donned the famous number with distinction.

“It means a lot honestly not only to me but also to my family, my friends and especially to those who look up to me. I don’t see this as just a number because for Orlando Pirates, the number 10 jersey holds a very special place in the history of this organisation. But having said that, we have work to do on Friday.As a team we are focused on making sure that we get the desired and move to the next round,” Maswanganyi concluded.

Recent History of the number 10

The last player to wear the famous number 10 in a regular season was Steve Lekoelea until it was taken away from him after a disciplinary matter in the 2001/02 season.

Since then, only a handful of players have been able to wear it, and that was only in the CAF club competitions, where squad numbers are limited to a set number, making it impossible to have the numbers unused.

Only time will tell when this famous jersey makes its way back to the playing field but what orlandopiratesfc.com can reveal, it has come close on two occasions. But we will leave that to Pirates Productions to touch on this subject one of these days.

In terms of CAF, club legend, and all-time top goalscorer Benedict Vilakazi was handed the number in 2006. A few years later it was handed to Oupa Manyisa until most recently the number 10 was handed to Vincent Pule.  

In the world of football, the number 10 jersey is akin to a five-star rating in the realm of luxury—both are symbols of an unparalleled standard and a mark of elite distinction. Just as a five-star hotel epitomizes the pinnacle of comfort and excellence, for Orlando Pirate, the number 10 on a football shirt signifies a player who possesses an extraordinary blend of skill, vision, and creativity.

It is more than just a number; it is a revered mantle passed down through the annals of football history, carried by those who have redefined the game with their brilliance.

Cote D’Or National Sports Complex in Saint Pierre will host the opening leg of the crucial First Preliminary Round fixture, which takes place days before the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium.

Form Guide

A testing start to the 2024/25 season continues for the visitors, who depart South African shores in the quest for group-stage qualification. The Soweto Giants have had a taste of competitive cup action having begun the defence of their MTN8 title earlier in the month.

They emerged victors in a marathon quarterfinal encounter at home to SuperSport, where they claimed a 3-1 win after 120 minutes on the pitch with Olisa Ndah, Monnapule Saleng, and Evidence Makgopa providing the goals.

Prior to their opening fixture, Pirates have taken part in several friendlies both at home and abroad as they look to build on what was a successful 2023/24 campaign which yielded two cup titles.

The men from Antsirabé have meanwhile enjoyed a lengthy off-season since they were crowned as champions of Madagascar. Their most recent fixture was their final game of the previous season where they defeated Elgeco Plus to clinch the Pro League title.

Disciplines’ win against their domestic rivals was a continuation of a good spell of results in the backend of the season, taking their tally to four wins in their last six matches.

With a place in the final preliminary round at stake, both sides will be eager to draw first blood as they look to ensure continued participation in Africa’s premier club competition.

Team News

After finishing the previous season without a few of their key players, Pirates have had further setbacks with Zakhele Lepasa and Thabiso Lebitso now among the latest additions to the injury list, while Miguel Timm also missed the MTN8 quarter-final after picking up an ankle injury.

Coach Jose Riveiro can however call upon some new faces ahead of the clash in the likes of Gilberto and Selaelo Rasebotja, who were heavily involved in the pre-season preparations.

There have been further reinforcements to the squad, with Deano van Rooyen joining from Stellenbosch. Having joined the Buccaneers earlier in the week, the 27-year-old could be set to debut in the coming days.

Players to Watch

Fan favourite Tendry Randrianarijaona is among the more experienced players for the hosts, boasting 15 international caps for Madagascar as well as Champions League experience, having featured in the 2018 edition of the tournament. He is joined in the centre of the park by the versatile fellow Malagasy international Andy Rakotondrajoa, capable of operating deep in the midfield as well as further forward.

In defence, Tantely Randrianiaina is a veteran campaigner who could feature on the right side of the pitch with left-back Lalaina Manampisoa expected to provide energy on the opposite flank.

Head-to-Head

There are no previous meetings between the two sides who will be meeting for the first time on Sunday.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates vs Disciples

The match will kick off at 13:00 (SAST) and will not be televised. You can follow live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

The rules according to the Confederation of African Football, for all continental tournaments allows for a maximum of 40 registered players, all sporting the numbers 1-40. With this in mind, the previously unused Orlando Pirates jersey numbers 10, 13 and 22 will once again make an on-field return in this season’s instalment of Africa’s premier club competition.

In the past, the number 10 jersey was worn by Vincent Pule. But since Mashonisa’s departure, the famous number 10 jersey, has been vacated and will now have a new owner.  

Reigning PSL Players Player of the Season Tito Maswanganyi who currently dons the number 28 jersey in the league, will wear number 10.

Meanwhile, Relebohile Mofokeng will exchange his number 38 for number 3 in this year’s competition.

Other jersey number changes will include the players who are usually numbered higher than 40 in the season roster, and these players will don the numbers currently vacated by the unregistered squad players for this phase of the competition.

Full List:

1​Melusi Buthelezi​

2​Thabiso Monyane​

3​Relebohile Mofokeng

4​Miguel Timm

5​Nkosinathi Sibisi

6​Olisa Ndah

7​Deon Hotto

8​Makhehleni Makhaula

9​Zakhele Lepasa

10​Patrick Maswanganyi

11​Gilberto

12​Katlego Otladisa

14​Monnapule Saleng

15​Phillip Ndlondlo

16​Thalenthe Mbatha

17​Evidence Makgopa

18 ​Kabelo Dlamini

19​Tshegofatso Mabasa

20​Goodman Mosele

21​Lesedi Kapinga

23​Innocent Maela

24​Sipho Chaine

25​Karim Kimvuidi

26​Bandile Shandu

27​Tapelo Xoki

28​Thabiso Sesane

29​Paseka Mako

30​Deano van Rooyen

31​Selaelo Rasebotja​

32​Thuso Moleleki

33​Mohau Nkota​

36​Thabitso Lebitso

39​Sandile Mthethwa

40​Siyabonga Dladla

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