Mohau Nkota’s return to Orlando Pirates on loan is set to intensify competition for places in attack, with Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis also competing for regular starts.
The Bafana Bafana forward is expected to receive significant first-team opportunities after returning to South Africa from the Saudi Pro League. Nkota made 21 appearances in the competition last season, but managed only two goals and three assists, prompting a move back to Orlando Pirates as he looks to rediscover his form.
Nkota is likely to challenge Moremi and Appollis for a position in the wide attacking areas. With only two of the three players expected to start regularly, one of them may have to accept a reduced role.
Moremi could be used increasingly as an impact substitute in the coming weeks, although Orlando Pirates are competing on several fronts. That schedule should allow all three players to receive substantial playing time, provided they remain fit and available.
The competition for attacking places has been sharpened further by a series of injury problems within the Orlando Pirates squad.
A 1-1 draw with AmaZulu in August came at a significant cost. Sihle Ndlovu suffered a knock during the match, while Evidence Makgopa is expected to be sidelined for up to two months after aggravating an existing knee injury.
Makgopa played through the problem at the World Cup, but now requires a period of recovery away from competitive action. Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha is also facing a spell out after suffering a knee injury that requires surgery.
There are further concerns over Gamphani Lungu, who has been one of Orlando Pirates’ most impressive performers at the start of the season. The Zambian winger was carried off on a stretcher during the club’s 4-0 victory over Kruger United at the weekend.
Lungu has scored four goals and provided two assists in five Betway Premiership appearances this term. Orlando Pirates will be hoping his injury is not serious, as an extended absence would remove one of their most productive attacking players from the squad.
Nkota’s return could therefore come at an important moment for the club. His arrival provides additional depth in the wide areas, while the injuries to Makgopa, Mbatha and potentially Lungu could increase the demands on the players who remain available.
Orlando Pirates’ next fixtures are in the CAF Champions League qualifying round, where they will face La Cure Waves FC over two legs. The matches are scheduled for 6 and 12 September.
The upcoming games could offer Nkota an early opportunity to stake his claim for a starting place and force Orlando Pirates’ coaching staff to make a difficult decision between him, Moremi and Appollis.
The question for supporters is whether Nkota should go straight into the starting XI after returning on loan, or whether Moremi and Appollis have done enough to retain their places.
Fans can share their views through the comments section below.
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