Orlando Pirates FC have secured the return of winger Mohau Nkota on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League club El-Ettifaq. The 21-year-old is back in Soweto after a challenging stint abroad.
Nkota rejoins a Pirates side sitting first in the Betway Premiership with 13 points from five games. Their strong start includes four wins, one draw, and a formidable recent form of WWWDW. The team has scored 12 goals while conceding only once, giving them a +11 goal difference as they build on last season's momentum.
Why did Nkota return from Saudi Arabia?
Mohau Nkota's move back to Orlando Pirates follows a difficult period. He joined El-Ettifaq ahead of the 2025/26 season but saw his time there disrupted by personal setbacks and a serious knee injury. His former club confirmed the loan arrangement in a statement. "El-Ettifaq confirmed that Nkota would spend the season back at Orlando Pirates and wished the winger well during his return spell with the South African club," they said. This return offers Nkota a fresh start under the familiar conditions of his former club.
What did he achieve in his last Pirates season?
Nkota's previous campaign with the Buccaneers made him a key player. During the 2024/25 season, the young winger made 39 appearances across all competitions. He was directly involved in 12 goals, scoring seven and providing five assists. His impact was particularly felt in the CAF Champions League, where he scored four goals and added two assists in just nine matches. That contribution helped drive Orlando Pirates to the semi-finals of Africa's premier club competition.
Where does he fit in the current squad?
The return of Mohau Nkota adds significant depth and proven quality to the Orlando Pirates attack. Coach and staff will be counting on him to recapture the form he showed before his departure. His ability to play on the wing and contribute goals makes him a direct option for the starting eleven or a powerful weapon from the bench. Fans can track his integration and the team's selections on the official squad page.
What is the context for his comeback?
Nkota arrives at a club in a strong domestic position. Leading the Betway Premiership standings, Orlando Pirates have built a solid defensive record while maintaining a potent attack. The team's current stats, including those 12 goals scored, are detailed on our stats page. This positive environment could be ideal for Nkota to rebuild his confidence and match sharpness. His return is a temporary one for the season, but it addresses an immediate need for offensive reinforcement as the club competes on multiple fronts.
The Buccaneers' next challenge is to maintain their league position, and you can follow their progress on the standings page. Nkota's loan deal runs for the entirety of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
