Orlando Pirates have completed a sensational move to bring back Mohau Nkota from Al-Ettifaq on a season-long loan, but the transfer has already sparked plenty of discussion surrounding the club’s technical plans.
Nkota, who previously enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Buccaneers, returns to the club after spending the 2025/26 season in Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old winger made 39 official appearances during his first senior season at Pirates, contributing seven goals and five assists.
The latest twist, however, is the suggestion that Pirates’ head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was not directly involved in the decision to bring the player back.
A statement circulating around the situation has the coach expressing reservations about bringing back former players, particularly when he believes the club could potentially be spending resources unnecessarily.
“First of all, I don’t like it when money is being wasted on former players. But since he’s here, I have to give him some time. I heard about him and watched his videos. He seems good. Hopefully, he will adapt to my rules.”
If accurate, those comments would make Nkota’s return even more intriguing. Ouaddou has already made it clear that players in his system must work hard without the ball, contribute to pressing and follow the tactical demands of the team.
Nkota therefore faces a fresh challenge. Returning to familiar surroundings does not automatically guarantee a starting place. He will have to convince the new coach that he can fit into the system and compete with the attacking options already available.
His return could nevertheless prove valuable. Nkota endured a difficult spell at Al-Ettifaq after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery, and a return to South Africa could give him the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regain his best form.
For Pirates supporters, the biggest question now is simple: Can Nkota win over Ouaddou and become an important player once again?
Only time will tell.
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