Mohau Nkota has returned to Orlando Pirates, but the 21-year-old winger faces strong competition to earn a place in Abdeslam Ouaddou’s starting line-up.
Orlando Pirates announced on 3 September that Nkota had joined on loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, in a move that surprised many supporters.
The right side of the attack is already occupied by two of Ouaddou’s trusted players: Ghampani Lungu and Bafana Bafana international Tshepang Moremi. Both have contributed goals and assists while also setting high standards with their work without the ball.
Lungu, a Zambian attacker, joined from Siwelele FC in June 2026 and has made an immediate impression. He has scored four goals and provided one assist in seven appearances, despite missing the same number of matches through injury.
His influence was particularly clear in the MTN8 semi-finals, when he scored an extra-time winner against Durban City. Lungu’s contribution has extended beyond his finishing, with 13 key passes and an average of 146 touches in his seven matches. He has also made tackles and one interception.
Moremi presents another significant obstacle for Nkota. The former AmaZulu winger quickly established himself as a regular during his debut season, playing 26 games and recording five goals and four assists.
Although an injury ruled Moremi out for a substantial part of September, he has started the current campaign strongly. He has scored three goals in seven games, while his defensive work has included 22 tackles and eight interceptions.
Those performances underline the challenge facing Nkota as he attempts to reclaim a regular role. Matching or exceeding the attacking figures of Lungu and Moremi, while showing the same intensity when Orlando Pirates do not have possession, would improve his prospects of becoming a consistent starter.
Before the competition for places develops further, Orlando Pirates will turn their attention to the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, 10 October. The match will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.