Mohau Nkota faces wait for second Orlando Pirates debut as fitness recovery continues

Mohau Nkota has begun training with Orlando Pirates after returning to the club on loan, but the Bafana Bafana winger is expected to remain unavailable for selection until he regains full match fitness.

Nkota rejoined Pirates on a season-long loan from Al Ettifaq after spending the previous campaign with the Saudi Arabian club. His return has been warmly received by supporters of “The Ghost”, but the 21-year-old may have to wait before making his second debut for the Sea Robbers.

The attacker’s progress has been slowed by the knee injury which brought his season to an early end. The injury also ruled him out of the World Cup with Bafana Bafana, and he is still working towards a full recovery.

Pirates have not set a confirmed date for Nkota’s return to competitive action. However, the forthcoming Fifa international window should give him valuable time to improve his conditioning and continue his rehabilitation before the club’s next run of fixtures.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Guinea in an Afcon qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on 30 September. They will then play Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, before meeting Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

For Pirates, Nkota’s eventual return would provide a welcome boost after a period of significant change within the squad. The club have lost several high-profile players in recent months, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Deano van Rooyen.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has managed the transition by combining younger players with new arrivals, while also adapting his tactics. Those changes have helped Pirates reach the MTN8 final, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.

The club are also second in the Betway Premiership standings with 13 points, three behind Sundowns. Sundowns, however, have played one more match.

Pirates’ immediate focus is on the CAF Champions League, with La Cure Waves due to visit Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday for the preliminary first-round second leg. The tie is finely balanced after the teams drew 0-0 in the opening match.

Nkota’s return could eventually strengthen a Pirates attack in need of his pace and ability, but the club are taking a cautious approach as he works his way back from injury. Although he has now resumed team training, he must still reach the required level of fitness before Ouaddou can consider him for competitive selection.