Nkota’s Pirates Return Comes at Perfect Time as Buccaneers Rebuild
Mohau Nkota is set to make his return to Orlando Pirates after just one season in the Saudi Pro League, rejoining the Buccaneers on a season-long loan from Al-Ettifaq.
His July 2025 move to Saudi Arabia came off the back of an impressive breakthrough campaign.
And while his early departure raised eyebrows at the time, the winger quickly proved he could compete at a higher level, becoming an important option at Al-Ettifaq before injuries limited his involvement late in the season.
Now he returns to the club where he first made his name — at a moment of major upheaval.
Pirates have lost a staggering 17 players this transfer window, including key figures Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule, alongside a host of contract expiries and mutual departures.
That exodus has placed significant pressure on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to rebuild his squad, bringing in fresh faces like Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu and Ghampani Lungu — though replacing the influence of Mofokeng and Maswanganyi won’t be easy.
That’s what makes Nkota’s return so timely. He already understands the club, its expectations, and the demands of playing for one of South Africa’s biggest teams.
During his breakthrough 2024/25 season, he made 39 appearances, contributing 12 goals and assists, including a memorable brace against CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League.
His comeback gives Ouaddou another attacking option as Pirates defend their Betway Premiership title while also competing in the Champions League — and for Nkota, it’s a chance to reignite the momentum he built before heading abroad, arriving back with plenty to prove.
