THE FUSE

Former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota has reportedly been revalued at €3 million (approximately R63 million) by his Saudi club.

The 21-year-old attacker secured a move to Al-Ettifaq in July last year following a breakout campaign with the Buccaneers.

Nkota’s rise at Pirates was swift. After impressing in the club’s DDC side, he earned promotion to the senior team during the 2024/25 season.

He made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and registering five assists across all competitions.

His performances did not go unnoticed at international level. Nkota received a national team call-up and was included in Bafana Bafana’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where South Africa reached the round of 16.

Nkota’s mixed fortunes in Saudi Arabia

According to reports by iDiski Times, Al-Ettifaq have placed a €3m valuation on the winger ahead of the next transfer window and are open to offers.

Nkota has scored two goals and provided three assists in 16 league appearances so far, numbers that have sparked debate among supporters back home.

There are suggestions that if his form does not improve before the end of the campaign, the club could consider placing him on the transfer list.

Pirates fans react to Nkota’s potential sale

Some Pirates supporters believe Nkota’s move abroad may have come too soon, arguing that he would have benefited from another season in the PSL to further refine his game.

“It doesn’t sound like this turned out as planned. Nkota is a very good player so maybe this is a blessing in disguise for him to go and show his quality elsewhere. But eish, 2 goals and 3 assists in 16 games is not a good reflection at all,” @SQ_Gunner wrote on X.

@MbusowMasango added: “Not surprised at all. I felt like the move was rushed and he’s too raw. He needed one more season with Pirates to strengthen his overall game — decision-making, passing range and game variation on both flanks.”

@Constitution_94 simply called for his return: “He must come back to assist Moremi.”

Whether Nkota remains in Saudi Arabia or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, the coming transfer window could prove pivotal in the young winger’s career.