Former Orlando Pirates star Mohau Nkota made waves in July with a surprise move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al Ettifaq on a three-year deal.
The 20-year-old winger left South Africa after just eight months as a senior player for the Buccaneers, where he scored seven goals and provided five assists in 39 games.
We’ve now discovered just how rewarding that move has been.
MOHAU NKOTA EARNING BIG AT AL-ETTIFAQ IN SAUDI ARABIA
According to Capology, he earns €19,231 a week, roughly R300,000, bringing his annual earnings to around €1 million (R20 236 620). Capology, a platform that tracks football salaries and club finances, highlights the lucrative opportunities awaiting talented players abroad.
The Kimberley-born attacker has already made an impact in the Saudi Pro League, playing four times and scoring one goal and two assists. In the division, he will face global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kanté, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez, a huge step up from the South African scene.
THE STORY BEFORE ORLANDO PIRATES
Nkota’s story began in Kimberley with Sol Plaatje University, where his talent quickly stood out. Coach Mandla Qhogi, a CAF A and UEFA C-licensed tactician, told Sowetan he first spotted him during a 2020 coaching clinic when he was coaching Pirates’ youth teams.
“I am so happy for Mohau,” he said. “This is a very big opportunity for him to showcase his talent, following in the footsteps of Lyle Foster, who also came through Pirates’ development ranks,” Qhogi added.
Too young to join Pirates at the time, Nkota was encouraged to keep sharpening his skills in the Sol Plaatje SAB League team before moving to Joburg at 17.
He was enrolled at Bophelo Private School in Mayfair while climbing through the Pirates structures, from U-17, to U-19, and eventually the DStv Diski Challenge team.
That promise came to life on 25 October 2024, when Nkota made his senior debut against AmaZulu FC. He announced himself in style, scoring both goals in a 2–1 win for the Buccaneers.
Nkota will return to South Africa next week after being named in the Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
