Mohau Nkota returns to Orlando Pirates on season-long loan from Al-Ettifaq

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Mohau Nkota will return to the club on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The 21-year-old winger left Pirates in July 2025 when he completed a permanent move to Al-Ettifaq. However, after initially featuring regularly in Saudi Arabia, Nkota’s opportunities became more limited before injury disrupted his campaign.

Nkota suffered a torn meniscus in his knee during training in May. He subsequently underwent successful surgery, but the injury ruled him out of the recent World Cup, in which Bafana Bafana reached the knockout phase for the first time.

His return gives Pirates back a player who had quickly become a favourite among the club’s supporters before his move abroad. Nkota had built a reputation for performing in important matches and made 39 appearances for the Buccaneers, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

He then moved to Al-Ettifaq, where he made 22 appearances. During that spell, the Bafana Bafana international scored twice and recorded three assists.

Nkota’s first months in Saudi Arabia had offered encouraging signs, with the winger receiving regular playing time after joining from Pirates. His involvement later decreased, however, before the knee problem sustained in training brought his season to a premature halt.

The injury also meant he was unavailable for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign. South Africa progressed to the knockout stage of the competition, marking the first time the national team had achieved that feat.

Pirates’ decision to bring Nkota back means the club will be reunited with a player who had already established a strong connection with its supporters. His previous contribution included seven goals and five assists across 39 games, figures that helped underline his importance before he departed for Al-Ettifaq.

At his Saudi Pro League club, Nkota added two goals and three assists in 22 outings. His season-long return to Orlando Pirates now provides the next stage of his career after a period that included a move abroad, reduced playing time and a significant knee injury.

The deal represents Nkota’s return to the club where he first made his mark before joining Al-Ettifaq in July 2025. Orlando Pirates have confirmed the arrangement, with the winger set to spend the season back in South Africa.