Mohau Nkota has been seen wearing the number 21 shirt after returning to Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
The 21-year-old winger returned to the Sea Robbers’ camp in Soweto last month, having arrived with a knee injury. After spending about a month under the care of the club’s medical team, Nkota took part in full training this week.
His appearance in the number 21 shirt suggests he will use the number made available by Deano Van Rooyen, who left Orlando Pirates on 21 August. Nkota previously wore number 33 before making his high-profile move to West Asia ahead of last season.
Nkota’s return gives him the chance to rebuild his fitness and compete for regular first-team football after his progress at Al-Ettifaq was interrupted by injury.
Nkota’s first spell with Orlando Pirates
The Kimberly-born attacker made 39 appearances during his first spell with Orlando Pirates, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.
He made an immediate impression by scoring twice on his debut against AmaZulu FC in 2024. Nkota later added another brace on his CAF Champions League debut, finding the net twice away to CR Belouizdad in Algeria.
Those performances led to his move to Al-Ettifaq, where he made a fast start in the Saudi Pro League. Nkota scored seven minutes into his league debut during a 2–1 victory over Al-Kholood.
That goal made him the first South African footballer to score in the Saudi Pro League.
Nkota went on to make 22 appearances for Al-Ettifaq, scoring two goals and registering three assists. However, a serious knee injury requiring surgery ruled him out for the final part of the season.
Although the winger returned to training before the new campaign, Al-Ettifaq decided to focus on improving his match fitness and supporting his longer-term development through a temporary move.
Nkota has therefore rejoined Orlando Pirates on loan for the season, where he will look to regain regular playing time and return to competitive action after his spell on the sidelines.