Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota Reflects on Pirates’ CAF Champions League heartbreak and World Cup ambitions

Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota has opened up about the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the CAF Champions League final last season, describing the competition as the stage that almost fulfilled his “biggest dream.”

Nkota, who now plays for Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Pirates before making his move abroad. Operating mainly as a winger, while also featuring as a fullback in Saudi Arabia, the South African impressed with his performances in continental football.

The 20-year-old scored four goals and provided two assists in nine CAF Champions League appearances during his debut campaign in the tournament. However, Pirates’ journey ended painfully in the semi-finals after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to eventual champions Pyramids FC.

Speaking to Saudi Pro League Media, Nkota recalled the emotions of that run and the frustration of falling short.

“For me, it was a very good feeling,” he said. “Even in my first CAF Champions League match against CR Belouizdad, I scored twice. I was happy helping the team go further and further in the competition.”

He added that his goal in the second leg against Pyramids FC still lingers in his memory.

“Scoring in the semi-final was special because if we had won, the guys would have gone to the final. We wanted to reach the final so badly. Playing in a CAF Champions League final was my biggest dream. We didn’t make it, but reaching the semi-finals made me very proud and excited.”

Nkota also credited the CAF Champions League for preparing him for life in the Saudi Pro League, where he now faces elite defenders on a regular basis.

“The competition at Orlando Pirates prepared me well,” he told ESPN. “I faced strong left-backs in Africa who don’t give you space or time on the ball. You have to think quickly and make runs behind them because if the ball comes back, they are already ahead of you.”

After recently returning from a spell on the sidelines following a family bereavement, Nkota has worked his way back into Al Ettifaq’s squad at a crucial moment in the season.

The winger is also hoping to force his way back into the South Africa national football team squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He started Bafana Bafana’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations — a 2-1 victory over Angola national football team — but has since slipped down the pecking order and missed the recent friendlies against Panama national football team.

With South Africa set to begin their World Cup campaign against Mexico national football team on June 11, Nkota will be eager to finish the season strongly and use the experience gained from the CAF Champions League to strengthen his case for selection.

Meanwhile, back in South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns will represent the country in this season’s CAF Champions League final against Morocco’s AS FAR in a two-legged showdown scheduled for May 17 and 24.