'Technically good' Orlando Pirates teenager Nkota draws Barcelona star comparisons - 'He reminds of the Brazilian Raphinha'

On Friday, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro gave youngster Mohau Nkota his full debut in the Premier Soccer League game against AmaZulu.

The 19-year-old rewarded his tactician with a brace as the Buccaneers climbed to the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Usuthu.

Relebohile Mofokeng has been making headlines for the Soweto Giants since his promotion to the senior team late in the 2022-23 season.

However, Nkota has stolen the limelight owing to his performances in just a short period. He was part of the Pirates team that fell 3-2 in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 game, after replacing Monnapule Saleng.

His exploits have impressed former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khnaye who has now compared him to Barcelona star Raphinha.

"[Nkota] reminds me of the Brazilian Raphinha; this boy has a bright future ahead of him. Like we spoke about him from the glimpses he showed on Tuesday," he told iDiski Times.

"Having two dangerous wingers cutting in, always taking somebody on and playing one, twos. They are so technically good with good decision-making. These two Relebohile Mofokeng and this boy, create so many chances.

"He [Nkota] is a very skillful player, he cuts in, he sees the goals open, and the goalkeeper was the only difference.

"They also have a deadly combination because when Nkota plays with Relebohile they come close to and create a diamond shape with [Evidence] Makgopa," Khanye concluded.

Nkota is sprouting when Monnapule Saleng is delivering for the club and Angola international Gilberto is working harder to get into the starting team.

The teenager will need to be consistent like Mofokeng to get regular chances and maybe get an opportunity with the national team Bafana Bafana.