Mohau Nkota return delayed as Orlando Pirates assess winger’s fitness

Orlando Pirates supporters may have to wait longer to see Mohau Nkota return to competitive football, despite the Bafana Bafana winger having resumed training after rejoining the club on a season-long loan from Al-Ettifaq.

Pirates confirmed Nkota’s return on Thursday last week, bringing the 21-year-old back to the club where he first made his breakthrough. The move followed a loan agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and was welcomed by the Buccaneers’ supporters.

However, there is no confirmed date for Nkota’s return to the matchday squad. His availability quickly became a key subject among Pirates fans, particularly after the club’s disappointing CAF Champions League opener on Sunday.

Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Mauritian side La Cure Waves at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex, prompting some supporters on social media to ask when Nkota would be able to contribute to the team.

The winger is still rebuilding his fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He suffered a knee injury towards the end of last season while playing for Al-Ettifaq, having made an encouraging start to his career in Saudi Arabia.

The injury required surgery and also ruled him out of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. That setback added to a difficult period for Nkota following his move abroad.

A source familiar with the situation said the player is training but may not yet be ready for immediate selection.

“He is training, but at the moment it is unclear if he will be available immediately to make the team. Hopefully, he will soon, possibly before the end of the month. But he is happy to be back to familiar surroundings and looking forward to rediscovering his form,” a source told the Siya crew.

Nkota’s return gives him the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regain the form that established him as one of Pirates’ most exciting young players. He made his name at the club before moving to Al-Ettifaq, and his return has raised expectations among supporters eager to see him back in action.

For now, the priority is understood to be restoring the winger to the required physical level. Pirates are expected to avoid rushing him back after his injury and extended absence, with his involvement likely to be managed gradually as his fitness improves.

The fact that Nkota has resumed training is an encouraging development, but he is not guaranteed to be available immediately. He will continue working towards full fitness before being integrated into the competitive squad.

If his recovery progresses as hoped, Nkota could return to action for Pirates before the end of September. However, supporters will need to remain patient as the club assesses his condition and determines when he is ready to make his competitive comeback.