Elias Mokwana: Bafana winger set for Esperance exit as Saudi clubs circle

South Africa international Elias Mokwana is increasingly expected to leave Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis, with clubs in Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Egypt believed to be vying for his signature before the close of the transfer window.

The 26-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hazem, is understood to be surplus to requirements at Esperance as the four-time African champions overhaul their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Esperance are in the process of reinforcing their attacking options and are poised to complete the signing of Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, after he arrived in Tunisia on Tuesday. That move is seen as a clear indication that Mokwana’s time in Tunis is nearing an end.

‘I believe he is not staying at the club’

A source close to Mokwana told South African outlet Soccer Laduma that, while nothing has been finalised, the signs point to the Bafana Bafana winger moving on.

“Look, we can’t really say much at the moment because there are people working on the player’s future and they will be updating us on the way forward soon.

“With the player still contracted to Esperance, whoever wants him will have to go through the club. Everything you’ve heard about his future is just rumours for now because, like I said, they are still working on his future.

“Having said that, I believe he is not staying at the club, based on what I have seen and heard but, once again, nothing has been confirmed and things can still change,” the source told Soccer Laduma.

The Tunisian club hold Mokwana’s registration, meaning any interested side will need to negotiate a transfer fee. Insiders suggest that, as long as Esperance’s valuation is met, a permanent departure is now the most probable outcome.

Saudi return on the cards

Mokwana, born in KwaMhlanga in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Al-Hazem, making 24 league appearances, scoring once and providing one assist.

Despite modest headline statistics, his performances appear to have left a positive impression in Saudi Arabia. Soccer Laduma reports that Al-Hazem are among the clubs keen to retain him on a permanent basis.

However, the Saudi outfit are unlikely to have a free run at the player. Clubs in both Morocco and Egypt – two of Africa’s most competitive domestic leagues and home to several regular CAF Champions League contenders – have also expressed interest in securing the winger.

Transfer talks ‘ongoing’

Mokwana joined Esperance from South African side Sekhukhune United, where he had emerged as one of the more promising wide players in the Premier Soccer League. His move to North Africa was viewed as a significant step up, both in terms of competition and exposure in continental club football.

But with Esperance re-shaping their squad and looking to South America for attacking reinforcements, his pathway to regular first-team football in Tunis appears increasingly blocked.

For now, talks over his next move are described as “ongoing”, with all parties aiming to reach a decision before the current transfer window shuts.

While his destination remains uncertain, the growing level of interest – particularly from the Gulf and North Africa – underlines Mokwana’s standing as one of South Africa’s more sought-after attacking exports on the continent.