Orlando Pirates bring Mohau Nkota back on loan from Al-Ettifaq

Reigning PSL champions Orlando Pirates have re-signed winger Mohau Nkota on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Nkota joined Al-Ettifaq on a three-year contract last year but will now return to the Buccaneers, where he established himself as one of the club’s promising young players.

The 21-year-old’s move comes shortly after he recovered from a knee injury. Al-Ettifaq confirmed the agreement in a statement, saying: “Ettifaq approves for Mohau Nkota to join Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan.”

Nkota’s return will be welcomed by Orlando Pirates supporters after a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia. The winger had made his name in the club’s black and white colours before leaving for the Saudi Pro League, and his previous record for the Soweto side suggests he can make an impact again.

Born in Kimberley, Nkota progressed through the Orlando Pirates reserves before being promoted to the first team. He went on to make 39 senior appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

His time at Al-Ettifaq produced 22 appearances, with Nkota scoring twice and registering three assists. However, the move did not develop as he would have hoped, and his loan return gives him an opportunity to rebuild his momentum at a familiar club.

Orlando Pirates will be hoping Nkota can rediscover the form that made him a notable figure among their emerging players. His ability to contribute goals and assists from the wing was an important part of his rise with the Buccaneers, and the club’s supporters will expect him to compete for a regular place once he is fully ready to return to action.

The move also gives Nkota the chance to put his challenging period abroad behind him while returning to a squad and environment he already knows. His previous performances for Orlando Pirates remain a major reason for the excitement surrounding his return.

The Buccaneers reached the final of the 2026 MTN8, and Nkota will now be back with the club as they continue their campaign as PSL champions. His season-long loan provides Orlando Pirates with a familiar attacking option, while Nkota will look to use the opportunity to revive his career after his spell with Al-Ettifaq.

All associated with the Soweto club will hope the winger can reproduce the form that first made him a favourite among Orlando Pirates supporters.