Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has weighed in on Mohau Nkota’s situation, as the attacker faces an uncertain future at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq FC.
The highly-rated winger missed out on the Bafana’s 23-man squad that will play two friendlies against Panama as part of the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between June and July.
Nkota has been a regular feature in Broos’ squad in the recent months after breaking into the Orlando Pirates’ first team from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side over a year ago.
Since his PSL breakthrough in the previous season, Nkota established himself as one of the best wingers in South Africa with his speed, skill, and eye for goal. The 21-year-old spent one season with Pirates’ senior team, and it was enough to earn him a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Ettifaq in July 2025.
During his tenure with the Pirates senior team, the left-footed attacker was a standout performer, amassing 39 appearances and contributing 12 goals [seven goals, five assists] across all competitions. While his explosive form earned him a high-profile move to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, Nkota has endured a turbulent few months, subsequently falling out of favour with the technical team.”
WHAT HUGO BROOS SAID ABOUT NKOTA’S SITUATION
The Kimberley-born star has missed five consecutive matches for Al-Ettifaq after failing to make the matchday squad, sparking intense speculation regarding his future. Reports have increasingly linked Nkota with a permanent exit from the Saudi Pro League, with Portuguese giants Benfica touted as a potential destination.
The club-level struggles have also impacted his international standing, with the attacker notably omitted from the Bafana Bafana squad announced on Thursday—despite being a key figure in the 2025 AFCON campaign in Morocco.
Bafana coach Broos clarified that the decision was also influenced by personal reasons, stating they chose to excuse Nkota to allow him time to process the recent passing of a family member.”
“When you talk about Mohau Nkota, I think it’s been very sad for him at the moment. Four weeks ago, I think he lost his grandmother,” said Broos. “He also lost his position in Saudi Arabia, so psychologically, he’s not really in good shape, and I think it will not be good for us to take him on the team and ask for performances.
“And you know how people are, and he’s a young guy; at least experienced players can be better. He lost his grandmother, and now he has to win his position in his team. I think it’s better now that we leave him; he’s in South Africa. I had him on the phone, and I know with the talent he has, he will be back in the next few months.”
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