Nkota Out 3-4 Weeks At Pirates
It appears it will take some time for Mohau Nkota to feature for Orlando Pirates after returning on loan from Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq.
Speaking ahead of Pirates’ CAF Champions League preliminary second-leg clash against Mauritian side La Cure Waves at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that the 21-year-old remains under medical supervision.
Nkota missed Al Ettifaq’s final three matches of the Saudi campaign due to a foot injury—a setback that ultimately cost him a place in South Africa’s World Cup squad. During his season-long stay in Saudi Arabia, the former Pirates youth prospect made 22 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists.
“Nkota is still with the doctors, undergoing treatment. I think he had an injury with his previous club, but I hope to have him in three or four weeks,” Ouaddou said at a press conference on Friday.
Meanwhile, Pirates have remained active in the transfer market to replace high-profile departures Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.
The Buccaneers recently finalized the signing of playmaker Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants. Mabuza’s arrival follows previous additions Mpho Chabatsane and Masindi Nemtajela from the same club, while Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko moved in the opposite direction on season-long loans as part of the Mabuza deal.
The recurring transfers between the two teams have drawn banter from rival supporters online, who joke that Pirates are systematically raiding Gallants—a club Ouaddou briefly managed during the 2024/25 season before taking the helm at Soweto.
Ouaddou addressed the fan narrative with a lighthearted response during the press conference.
“Mabuza, it is good you ask me this question because sometimes people think that I’m bringing all the people from Marumo here,” Ouaddou said, drawing laughter from the journalists in attendance.
“What is important is that people really understand that these big clubs — one of the biggest clubs in Africa — have a scouting department, bringing people in regarding the identity and how we play at the club.
“I’m not the one who brings people here. People must stop thinking that the coach is bringing all of Marumo here.”
Turning his focus to new signing Mabuza, Ouaddou highlighted the midfielder’s qualities while emphasizing the mental step-up required at a club of Pirates’ stature.
“But speaking about Mabuza, I think he has a good profile. He can help us in the heart of the game in terms of quick decision-making and that last pass,” added Ouaddou.
“The activity he can have in the heart of the game, between the lines, the assists — he can score. He is a player that we have seen who can play between the lines; he can combine, he can play long, and he is able to score as well.
“Hopefully, he can fit into our system. The question mark is the dimension of the club. Sometimes the pressure that we have in such a big club is a factor that we cannot manage.
“I hope he can quickly fit in and manage the high expectations that come with playing for such a big club.”
