STAFFORD, Texas — North American University goalkeeper Lutho Mkaba has been named the Red River Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week of September 1–7, 2026, following a pair of outstanding performances that helped the Stallions open the month with back-to-back victories.
Mkaba, affectionately known around the Stallions program as "Big L," was a major reason North American came away with wins over the University of St. Thomas and Huston-Tillotson University.
The junior goalkeeper from Cape Town, South Africa, was simply outstanding between the posts.
Against St. Thomas on September 1, Mkaba faced a barrage of pressure, making 14 saves on 15 shots on goal as the Stallions secured a 3-1 victory. His 14 saves were a season high and helped NAU withstand an aggressive St. Thomas attack while the Stallions built their three-goal performance on the other end.
Two nights later, Mkaba was back at it.
Huston-Tillotson put 13 shots on target on NAU's goal, but Mkaba answered with 12 saves, repeatedly keeping the Rams from finding the equalizer as the Stallions rallied to a 2-1 victory.
That's 26 saves in two matches.
And both matches ended with Stallions victories.
"Big L was BIG BIG" in the win over Huston-Tillotson, as the Rams continually tested the NAU goalkeeper. Mkaba's performance allowed the Stallions to protect a 2-1 lead after Desailly Bastien-Cowan's second-half goal gave North American the advantage.
The two performances also helped Mkaba establish himself as one of the early defensive leaders in the Stallions' 2026 campaign. Through the team's first three matches, he has played 225 minutes, recorded 27 saves, allowed three goals and posted a .900 save percentage.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Mkaba has also provided a steady presence behind the Stallions' back line, helping organize the defense while using his distribution to quickly turn defensive stops into attacking opportunities.
Against St. Thomas, his long direct throws helped flip the field and create opportunities for the Stallions' attack.
For North American, the recognition gives the Stallions their first RRAC Defensive Player of the Week honor of the season and another early-season accomplishment for a team that has won two straight.
Mkaba and the Stallions will look to carry that momentum into their upcoming schedule as North American continues its 2026 campaign.
Big L has officially entered the RRAC conversation.
#GoStallions | #NAUMensSoccer | #RRAC
