Nkota loan return can benefit Pirates and player, says Segolela

Mohau Nkota’s return to Orlando Pirates on loan could help the 21-year-old revive his career while giving the club an important boost in their domestic and continental campaigns, says former winger Tlou Segolela.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq and Orlando Pirates confirmed the loan agreement on Thursday. The move follows an injury-disrupted season for Nkota and gives him an opportunity to regain regular playing time after a setback in his development.

While some supporters may view the transfer as a step backwards for the young South African, Segolela believes it could work well for both the player and the Soweto club.

“For me it’s one of those very interesting moves. It also shows where South African football is moving, the standard of our football has grown. They (Pirates) obviously know the quality of the boy but what is happening with this move,” Segolela said, speaking to KickOff.

Nkota emerged as one of Pirates’ promising young players before making the move to Al-Ettifaq. His return comes at a significant time for the club, which will compete in the CAF Champions League as well as defend its domestic title.

Segolela believes the loan is primarily intended to ensure Nkota plays regularly and reaches the level expected of him.

“You can tell it’s all about the boy getting enough game-time to get to the level that he wants and now it’s very interesting for him, because The Buccaneers will be in the CAF Champions League, we also need his ability for us to compete, so that we reach the knockouts and obviously go to the final,” Segolela said.

Nkota’s availability could therefore strengthen Pirates as they attempt to make progress in Africa, while also helping the player rebuild his form and confidence.

The former Orlando Pirates winger was also asked whether Nkota’s return would increase the pressure on Ezimnyama to retain the Betway Premiership and mount a serious challenge in the CAF Champions League.

Segolela said pressure was already unavoidable for a club that had set such high standards through its achievements.

“Look, whether they like it or not, football is about pressure, you like it or not. Unfortunately you’re the one who set the standard, that this is the level you need to be,” Segolela responded.

Pirates won the league last season and are now expected to demonstrate that their success was not a one-off. That means competing directly with Mamelodi Sundowns domestically while also aiming to go deep into the CAF Champions League.

“They won the league, therefore they need to challenge for the CAF Champions League all the way and besides that, they need to go toe-to-toe with Sundowns, they need to show that it was not a fluke (last season), unfortunately.

“That’s the game, it does not need anyone to tell you, it’s what you put yourself in. If you put yourself in that space you need to cope with the demand of it unfortunately,” the double-treble champion with The Mighty Bucs added.