Orlando Pirates supporters are eagerly anticipating the return of Mohau Nkota, but the young winger faces a serious fight for a starting place after returning to the club on loan from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.
The 21-year-old Kimberley-born attacker has returned to the Buccaneers until the end of the season, creating another attacking option for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Nkota’s natural position as a left-footed right winger could put him directly into competition with Tshepang Moremi, who has established himself as one of the coach’s trusted players.
Moremi Has Set a High Standard
Moremi arrived at Pirates from AmaZulu before the beginning of the 2025/26 season and quickly became a regular in the team.
His first campaign produced 28 appearances, with the winger contributing five goals and four assists.
His form has continued into the new season despite a recent injury setback. Before missing around a month of action, Moremi had already scored three goals in seven matches.
That record gives Nkota a significant target to chase if he wants to force his way into Ouaddou’s starting XI.
The Numbers Behind Moremi’s Importance
Moremi’s influence has extended beyond goals and assists.
The 26-year-old Sharpeville-born winger has averaged 33.95 passes per 90 minutes this season and completed 82.83% of those passes.
Those figures underline his contribution to Pirates’ possession game and help explain why he has remained an important part of Ouaddou’s plans.
For Nkota, therefore, simply producing attacking moments may not be enough to secure regular playing time.
Pressing Could Decide the Competition
One of the biggest tests for Nkota could come without the ball.
Ouaddou places significant emphasis on pressing and defensive work from his attacking players, and Moremi has demonstrated that he can contribute in that area.
In seven matches this season, Moremi has recorded 22 tackles and eight interceptions.
Those numbers illustrate the defensive workload expected from Pirates’ wide players and could become a key factor in the battle between the two wingers.
Nkota Must Offer More Than Goals and Assists
Nkota has the opportunity to make an immediate impact, but the challenge will be proving that his game fits the demands of the Pirates system.
The young winger will need to combine his attacking ability with disciplined pressing, defensive effort and intelligent passing.
Matching Moremi’s contribution in those areas would strengthen his case for regular selection, while superior attacking output could make the decision even more difficult for Ouaddou.
Pirates Face Sundowns in Major MTN8 Test
The competition for places comes at an important stage of the season, with Pirates preparing for a major domestic showdown.
The Buccaneers are scheduled to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday, 10 October, at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
With a major trophy at stake, Ouaddou will have to decide whether to continue relying on established performers or give returning players such as Nkota an opportunity to change the balance of his squad.
A Chance for Nkota to Make His Case
Nkota’s return gives Pirates another attacking weapon, but his route back into the starting XI is unlikely to be straightforward.
Moremi has already established a strong benchmark through his goals, assists, passing and defensive contributions.
If Nkota can reproduce or surpass that level while demonstrating that he can execute Ouaddou’s pressing demands, the competition for the right-wing position could become one of the most interesting selection battles at Pirates this season.
