Mohau Nkota facing four-week wait for second Orlando Pirates debut

Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota is expected to remain sidelined for around four weeks after returning to the club with a knee injury, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed.

The 21-year-old completed a season-long loan move back to Orlando Pirates from Al-Ettifaq and was officially unveiled by the Sea Robbers on 3 September.

However, Ouaddou said Nkota arrived carrying an injury sustained at his previous club, meaning his second debut for the Buccaneers will be delayed.

“Nkota is still with the doctors… receiving treatment,” Ouaddou told journalists during his pre-match press conference.

“I think he had an injury as well at his previous club, but I hope to in about three or four weeks.”

Nkota was not involved in Orlando Pirates’ full-team training on Friday and is expected to miss approximately one month while he recovers.

The winger originally progressed through Orlando Pirates’ youth system before making his senior impact at the club. He scored seven goals and provided five assists before leaving for Al-Ettifaq.

In Nkota’s absence, Ouaddou will have to consider other wide options, including new signing Oswin Appollis, to provide attacking width.

Orlando Pirates will next turn their attention to La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie.

The match will be played at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.