Bafana Bafana and Al-Ettifaq sensation Mohau Nkota has been crowned the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year, securing the award following a show of support in the official fan vote.
Nkota completed a surprise move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in July, departing Soweto giants Orlando Pirates following an impressive breakout season.
The 21-year-old committed his future to the Saudi outfit on a three-year deal and has wasted no time in making his mark. In just nine appearances, the attacker has already racked up a clinical two goals and two assists, proving his worth on the international stage.
The former Orlando Pirates standout has also cemented his place as a regular for South Africa under Hugo Broos, currently forming a vital part of the Bafana Bafana squad competing at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
HOW MOHAU NKOTA WAS VOTED AFRICA’S FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR IN SAUDI ARABIA
In a voting poll on the Roshn Saudi League official Facebook page, Nkota beat off competition from fellow Bafana Bafana teammate Elias Mokwana, who is currently playing for club Al Hazem.
“Following your vote last night [Tuesday], Mohau Nkota has been voted the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year,” the Roshn Saudi League confirmed on their official page.
Nkota also beat competition from former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong and Senegal star Sadio Mane.
BAFANA BAFANA LOOKING TO CONTINUE WITH WINNING WAYS AT 2025 AFCON
Nkota is currently in Morocco with the Bafana Bafana squad, who have made a flying start to their Group B campaign.
Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Sunday—a match in which Nkota featured—South Africa have now shifted their focus to a high-stakes clash against Egypt this Friday afternoon.
A win against the Pharaohs would all but guarantee Hugo Broos’ men a place in the knockout stages. The team is determined to go a step further than their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast, with their sights firmly set on the ultimate prize.
RELATED STORY: Bafana Bafana stars clash: Nkota and Mokwana face off in Saudi