Mohau Nkota returns to Orlando Pirates on season-long loan

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the return of winger Mohau Nkota, who will spend the season at the club on loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The 21-year-old left Pirates in July 2025 after being sold to Al-Ettifaq, having established himself as an important player for the South African club. His return gives Pirates a familiar attacking option, while Nkota will look to revive his momentum after an unsettled spell in Saudi Arabia disrupted by injury.

Nkota made a strong start to life at Al-Ettifaq, receiving regular opportunities and adapting to football in the Saudi Pro League. However, his playing time became more limited as the season progressed.

His campaign was then interrupted by a serious knee injury. Nkota tore his meniscus during training in May and subsequently underwent successful surgery.

The injury also ruled him out of the recent World Cup, where Bafana Bafana reached the knockout phase for the first time. Nkota had been unable to recover in time to take part in the tournament.

Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Nkota had become a popular figure among Orlando Pirates supporters. His reputation was shaped in part by his performances in important matches, with the winger showing what the source article describes as a strong big-game temperament.

During his time with Pirates, Nkota made 39 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing five assists. Those performances helped earn him a move to Al-Ettifaq in July 2025.

He went on to feature 22 times for the Saudi club, contributing two goals and three assists. His return to Pirates now offers him the chance to rebuild his form and regain regular involvement following the loss of playing time and his spell on the sidelines.

For Orlando Pirates, the agreement brings back a player who already knows the club and its supporters. Nkota’s previous contribution of seven goals and five assists in 39 appearances will be central to expectations around his return, particularly after his experience of playing overseas.

The loan is for the full season, with Nkota returning to Pirates from Al-Ettifaq rather than joining on a permanent basis. The move follows a difficult period in which his early opportunities in Saudi Arabia diminished before the knee injury brought his season to a premature end.

Nkota’s absence from the recent World Cup was another consequence of the injury. Bafana Bafana nevertheless progressed to the knockout phase for the first time, while the winger watched on after his surgery.

He now returns to the club where he first made a significant impression, aiming to re-establish himself after recording two goals and three assists in 22 appearances for Al-Ettifaq.

The report was published by Sowetan and accompanied by audio generated using artificial intelligence.