At just 20 years old, Mohau Nkota is already living out what many footballers only dream of.
After turning heads with standout performances for Orlando Pirates last season, the exciting winger has now joined Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia — and he’s found himself in some seriously elite company.
Rubbing Shoulders with Champions
Nkota’s new locker room is packed with stars.
He’s now training alongside former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, a player who won just about everything there is to win in European football — including the Champions League, Premier League, and even the Club World Cup.
The Dutchman, now 34, also boasts nearly 100 international caps for the Netherlands.
And it doesn’t stop there. Nkota will also share the pitch with French striker Moussa Dembélé, known for his time at big-name clubs like PSG, Fulham, Lyon, and Atlético Madrid.
For a young South African talent, this is an incredible step up — both in terms of experience and expectation.
Fans React to the Big Move
South African fans are already buzzing. One X (formerly Twitter) user even joked that Nkota and Wijnaldum were probably speaking Afrikaans together during a light-hearted moment on the training ground.
Whether or not that’s true, it’s clear Nkota is settling in quickly and soaking up the experience.
Orlando Pirates Lock in Mokoena
Back home, Orlando Pirates have wasted no time reshuffling their squad after Nkota’s exit.
The club has secured the services of Mokoena on a new three-year deal, a move aimed at bolstering their midfield depth.
Thabiso Monyane Starts a New Chapter with Chiefs
Another notable shift on the local front: Thabiso Monyane has joined Kaizer Chiefs, where he’s hoping to find more regular playing time.
After falling down the pecking order at Pirates, this move could be exactly what he needs to revive his form and chase silverware.
Will Nkota Shine on the Saudi Stage?
The big question now is whether Nkota will make South Africa proud in the Middle East.
He’s got the talent, the drive, and now the mentorship from seasoned pros to grow even further.
If he continues on this path, we might be witnessing the early rise of a future Bafana Bafana star.