Mohau Nkota is back at Orlando Pirates.
The 21-year-old Bafana Bafana winger has made a surprise return to the Buccaneers after the club agreed a season-long loan deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Pirates confirmed the move on Thursday, welcoming the attacker back with a simple “Welcome Back” message, while Al-Ettifaq also confirmed that the player had been allowed to return to his former club.
The move comes just over a year after Nkota left Pirates for Saudi Arabia following a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign.
Nkota's Pirates breakthrough
Nkota emerged as one of South African football's most exciting young attackers during his first senior season.
He made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists as Pirates enjoyed a strong campaign. His performances in the CAF Champions League were particularly impressive, with Nkota scoring four goals and registering two assists in nine appearances.
His form earned him international recognition and eventually a move to Al-Ettifaq in July 2025.
Difficult spell in Saudi Arabia
Nkota initially made an encouraging start to life in the Saudi Pro League, even scoring on his debut.
However, his progress eventually stalled. He finished the campaign with 22 appearances, two goals and three assists, while injuries and reduced playing time made it difficult for him to establish himself.
The biggest setback came when Nkota suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
The injury also cost him a place in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing a disappointing end to what had been a promising period in his young career.
Why Pirates brought him back
Nkota's return could prove particularly valuable for Pirates following the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng, who moved to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Buccaneers now have a player who already understands the club, its supporters and the demands of playing at the highest level in South Africa.
Nkota will also face competition for a starting position, with Pirates boasting several attacking options, including Tshepang Moremi, Gamphani Lungu and Oswin Appollis.
For Nkota, however, the move represents more than simply a return home.
It is an opportunity to rebuild his confidence, regain regular playing time and remind South African football why he was considered one of the country's brightest young talents.
After an injury-hit season abroad, Nkota now has a second chance at Pirates — and potentially another opportunity to force his way back into the Bafana Bafana picture.
