Mohau Nkota Linked With Benfica Interest as Al Ettifaq Consider Loan Move

South African winger Mohau Nkota has recently emerged as a player attracting attention in the international transfer market following reports that a major European club is monitoring his situation. Nkota currently plays for Al Ettifaq, where he initially made a promising impression after joining the club. However, his role within the team has recently become less prominent, which has opened discussions about a possible loan move next season. At only 21 years old, Nkota remains one of the young South African talents with significant potential to grow at the highest level. His current circumstances could therefore present an important turning point in his professional career.

Nkota’s early period in Saudi Arabia suggested that he could become an important player for Al Ettifaq. The winger showed flashes of creativity, speed, and attacking awareness during his first appearances for the club. His ability to stretch defenses and create chances made him an exciting prospect within the squad. Those performances also strengthened his position within the South Africa national football team setup, where he has been seen as part of the country’s emerging generation of attacking players. Despite that encouraging start, his momentum has slowed significantly in recent months.

The change in Nkota’s situation appears to have come after his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Since that international tournament, the winger has struggled to maintain a regular place in the starting lineup. His most recent start came during a 2 to 1 victory against Al-Kholood on 24 January 2026. Since that match, Nkota’s involvement has decreased noticeably as he has fallen out of favour with the coaching staff. This shift has raised questions about how the club intends to manage his development in the coming seasons.

Statistics further highlight the decline in playing time the young winger has experienced recently. Nkota has missed five of the last nine matches played by Al Ettifaq, limiting his opportunities to showcase his ability on the field. Across the matches he did feature in, he accumulated only 116 minutes of total playing time during that period. For a developing player, consistent minutes are essential for maintaining sharpness and building confidence. Without regular opportunities, even highly talented players can struggle to maintain their rhythm. This situation has therefore increased speculation about a potential move away from the club.

Despite the reduction in game time, Al Ettifaq still view Nkota as a long term asset. The player remains under contract with the Saudi club until June 2028, which gives the club control over decisions regarding his future. Rather than permanently parting ways with the winger, the club is reportedly considering sending him out on loan to continue his development. Such a move would allow him to gain valuable playing time while maintaining his connection with Al Ettifaq. Loan deals are often used by clubs to help young players grow through consistent competition.

Early reports suggested that a return to South Africa was being considered as one possible option. Two prominent Premier Soccer League clubs were reportedly interested in bringing Nkota back to familiar surroundings. These clubs included Kaizer Chiefs and his former side Orlando Pirates. A move back to the domestic league could have offered Nkota a comfortable environment to rebuild his form and confidence. However, new developments in Europe appear to have changed the direction of the discussions.

According to reports from Arabic sports outlet Yalla Shoot, Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica have expressed interest in signing the South African winger. Benfica are widely known for their strong development structure and their ability to nurture young players into top level professionals. Their interest in Nkota has reportedly led Al Ettifaq to reconsider the idea of sending him back to South Africa on loan. Instead, the Saudi club may explore a move that would allow him to continue his progress in Europe. This possibility has immediately increased attention around Nkota’s next career step.

There are indications that Nkota may initially join Benfica’s reserve side rather than immediately entering the senior team. Such an approach is common for young players who move into European football from different leagues. It allows them to adapt to the speed, tactical discipline, and physical demands of the European game before stepping up to the highest level. Benfica’s senior squad is currently managed by José Mourinho, which further highlights the competitive environment at the club. Even time spent within the reserve setup could offer Nkota valuable experience and exposure to elite training standards.

Nkota’s situation illustrates the unpredictable nature of a young footballer’s career path. A strong start in Saudi Arabia quickly led to national team opportunities, yet recent months have shown how quickly playing time can change in professional football. Despite these challenges, the interest from Benfica suggests that his talent continues to attract attention from respected clubs. The coming transfer window will likely determine whether he remains in Saudi Arabia, returns to South Africa, or begins a new chapter in Europe. Whatever the outcome, the next move for Mohau Nkota could play a decisive role in shaping his long term career and development as a professional footballer.