The 20-year-old sensation from Orlando Pirates, Mohau Nkota, has completed a landmark transfer to Saudi Pro League side Ettifaq Club. The move, confirmed by both clubs, marks a pivotal moment in Nkota’s burgeoning career. It signals a new chapter for one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Orlando Pirates announced that an agreement had been reached for Nkota’s permanent transfer to Ettifaq Club. While the specific financial details remain undisclosed, reports value the deal at around $800,000. Reflecting Nkota’s rising stock after a breakthrough season in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. The transfer is subject to the player agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. But both parties have expressed confidence that the move will be finalised swiftly.
Nkota’s departure comes on the heels of a standout campaign. It elevated him from a promising academy graduate to a first-team regular. His performances have not only caught the eye of scouts abroad but also earned him a call-up to the South African national team, underlining his rapid development and potential.
Breakout Season with Orlando Pirates
Nkota’s journey with the Buccaneers began in the club’s reserve team, where his flair and work ethic quickly set him apart. He made his senior debut in October 2024, immediately making an impact by scoring a brace against AmaZulu. Over the 2024/25 season, Nkota featured in 39 matches across all competitions, netting 7 goals and providing 5 assists. Out of those, 4 were scored in the CAF Champions League. It is where he cemented his reputation as a game-changer, scoring crucial goals for the team.
His contributions were instrumental in Pirates’ campaign, helping the club secure the MTN 8 title and push deep into continental competition. Nkota’s growth was evident not just in his statistics but in his increasing responsibility and maturity on the pitch.
Ettifaq Club has been actively recruiting young international talent to bolster their squad. Nkota’s arrival is a statement of intent, both for the player and the club. For Nkota, the move represents a life-changing opportunity and a chance to test himself in a new environment. He can compete against some of the best in Asia and further his ambitions on the international stage.
As he bids farewell to Orlando Pirates, Nkota expressed gratitude to the club, his coaches, and the fans who supported him through his meteoric rise. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the love I received at Pirates. Now, I look forward to giving my all for Ettifaq and making South Africa proud,” Nkota shared in an emotional message.