Bafana Bafana internationals Mohau Nkota and Elias Mokwana will face off for the first time in the Saudi Pro League on Friday evening.
Nkota’s Al-Ettifaq hosts Al-Hazem, home to Mokwana, at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. The match kicks off at 19h30, marking the first encounter between the two Bafana Bafana players since joining the Saudi Pro League at the start of the 2025/26 season.
The 20-year-old Nkota joined Al-Ettifaq from Orlando Pirates in July after an impressive 2024/25 season, where he played a crucial role in the team’s multiple trophy push.
Under Jose Riveiro, Nkota was instrumental in Pirates’ success in the MTN 8. Simply put, Nkota’s contributions were key throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
As it stands, he has contributed one goal in six matches for Al-Ettifaq, who currently sit 11th on the log table with seven points. Their last win came on September 26 against Damac.
MOKWANA AIMING TO END GOAL DROUGHT IN SAUDI ARABIA
In addition, Mokwana’s Al-Hazem has struggled, sitting on 14th position with five points, having won only once in the league this season.
The 26-year-old, Mokwana joined Al-Hazem on a season-long loan from Esperance de Tunis and will be looking to break his scoring drought in six matches for the club.
Al-Hazem’s recent form hasn’t been impressive, losing 2-0 to Al-Nassr FC and 3-1 to Al-Qadisiyah in the King Cup of Champions.
The clash between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Hazem promises to be an exciting encounter between two Bafana Bafana stars.
Nkota and Mokwana will be eager to make an impact in the Saudi Pro League. Both players will be hoping to strike the right chords as they meet for the first time in Saudi Arabia.
Mokwana, in particular, is hoping to revive himself and possibly bounce back into the Bafana Bafana set-up, crucially as the 2025 AFCON nears. He has been overlooked in recent times.
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