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Mohau Nkota has penned an emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates after sealing a dream move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq \u2014 bringing to an end a remarkable debut campaign in South African top-flight football.<\/span><\/p>\n The 20-year-old winger spent just one season in the senior setup at Pirates, but his impact was undeniable. <\/span><\/p>\n In 39 appearances across all competitions, Nkota scored seven goals and registered five assists \u2014 with several standout performances in the CAF Champions League that drew international attention.<\/span><\/p>\n His move to Saudi Arabia was confirmed by the Buccaneers on Sunday and was announced by the Al-Ettifaq themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n You’ve got yourself a rare gem there, look after our boy\ud83d\ude0c\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83e\udd47 pic.twitter.com\/FSimNV4SRl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rolivhuwa\u2620\ufe0f\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 (@Mulinda076) July 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Nkota is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Dammam-based club, who have moved quickly to secure one of the PSL\u2019s most exciting young talents.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs I close this chapter of my life, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude,\u201d Nkota said in a farewell message. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTo Coach Mandla Qhogi and Mxolisi Mngomezulu, thank you for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream. You believed in me and gave me the platform to grow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Having risen through the ranks at Pirates, Nkota acknowledged the key influence of development mentor Joseph Makhanya and first-team head coach Jos\u00e9 Riveiro, under whom he lifted the 2024 Nedbank Cup \u2014 his first major silverware.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCoach Joseph Makhanya has been more than just a coach \u2014 he\u2019s been a father figure. And to the man who made me the player I am today \u2014 Coach Jos\u00e9 Riveiro \u2014 thank you. Your influence on my journey has been immeasurable, and I\u2019ll carry your lessons with me wherever I go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n While the move to the Gulf presents an exciting opportunity, Nkota admitted there\u2019s a degree of sadness in leaving the club that nurtured him from his teenage years.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2620\ufe0f \ud835\udc0d\ud835\udc24\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1a \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2d \ud835\udc1f\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc1d\ud835\udc22 \ud835\udc12\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc21\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcbb CLICK ON \ud83d\udd17 TO READhttps:\/\/t.co\/y4JyDBKkSC<\/p>\n We thank Mohau Nkota for his contribution to the Club and wish him all the best in this new chapter of his career.<\/p>\n \ud835\udc0e\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1c\ud835\udc1e \ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1d \ud835\udc00\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc30\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc32\ud835\udc2c<\/p>\n \u26ab\u26aa\ud83d\udd34\u2b50#OrlandoPirates<\/a>\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/sqSNu2cTxj<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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