Former Orlando Pirates sensation Mohau Nkota is reaping the rewards of his bold career move, with reports confirming that the 20-year-old winger is now reportedly earning an eye-watering R300,000 per week at Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.
A Lucrative Contract Abroad
Nkota made headlines in July when he sealed a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq after just eight months in the Buccaneers’ senior setup. According to salary-tracking platform Capology, the Kimberley-born attacker earns around €19,231 (roughly R300,000) per week, translating to an annual package of over €1 million (about R20 million).
The move represents a massive step up for the youngster, who will now share the pitch with global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté.
Early Impact in Saudi Arabia
Despite his youth, Nkota has already impressed at his new club, featuring in four matches and contributing one goal and two assists. His explosive pace and sharp attacking instincts are quickly making him a player to watch in the Middle East.
Nkota’s football journey started in Kimberley with Sol Plaatje University, where his talent was spotted by coach Mandla Qhogi during a 2020 coaching clinic. Too young to join the Buccaneers at the time, he was urged to continue developing in the Sol Plaatje SAB League before moving to Johannesburg at 17.
Enrolled at Bophelo Private School in Mayfair, Nkota progressed steadily through the Pirates youth system — from U-17, to U-19, and later the DStv Diski Challenge team. His breakthrough came on 25 October 2024, when he marked his senior debut in style, scoring both goals in a 2–1 win against AmaZulu FC.
Ex-Orlando Pirates Youngster Following in Lyle Foster’s Footsteps
Coach Qhogi expressed his pride in Nkota’s progress, comparing his journey to that of Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster, another Pirates academy product who has flourished abroad.
“I am so happy for Mohau. This is a very big opportunity for him to showcase his talent on a global stage,” Qhogi said.
Nkota’s progress has not gone unnoticed back home. The youngster has been called up to Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda and is set to return to South Africa next week.
From scoring on his Pirates debut to earning millions in Saudi Arabia, Mohau Nkota’s meteoric rise is proving to be one of South African football’s most inspiring success stories.
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