Bafana Bafana winger Mohau Nkota has sealed a return to Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Ettifaq Club.
Nkota spent the past season at Ettifaq Club following an impressive debut season with the Buccaneers. The pacy winger made his breakthrough during 2024/25, having come through the youth ranks. He featured in 39 official matches and registered 12 goal contributions for the Soweto giants.
The 21-year-old was promoted to the Pirates first team at the start of the 2024/25 campaign following a stellar showing with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side.
The Kimberley-born attacker made his senior debut for Pirates on October 19, 2024, in the Carling Knockout clash against Magesi FC.
BAFANA BAFANA STAR RETURNS TO WHERE IT ALL STARTED
His impressive performances at club level in SA also saw him earn a Bafana Bafana debut under coach Hugo Broos, and he later moved to Saudi Arabia.
However, Nkota tore his meniscus during a training session at Ettifaq Club and was sidelined for over five months. Nkota underwent a successful surgical repair procedure in early June 2026, missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He was also linked with a move to Portuguese giants SL Benfica, but nothing came of it.
MOHAU NKOTA REJOINS ORLANDO PIRATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON
Ettifaq Club took to their social media platforms on Thursday to confirm the loan of Nkota to the reigning Betway Premiership champions.
“Ettifaq Approves for Mohau Nkota to join Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan,” the club said in a short statement.
Meanwhile, Pirates added: “Welcome back, Mohau Nkota. Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Mohau Nkota back on a season-long loan.”
Nkota’s return to the Buccaneers will not only offer him a chance to rediscover his form and reclaim his place in the Bafana Bafana setup, but it will also give coach Abdeslam Ouaddou another quality attacking option following Relebohile Mofokeng’s departure to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
He adds a player who understands the Bucs way and has played with several attackers at the club, some of them in the national team.
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