What to know about Al-Ettifaq – and how much Mohau Nkota could earn in Saudi Arabia
Big move Mohau Nkota, who made his international debut for Bafana Bafana last month, has sealed a move to Saudi Pro Leagu eclub Al Ettifaq. Photo: Alche Greeff.BackpagePix
Image: Alche Greeff.BackpagePix
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates announced over the weekend that Mohau Nkota, one of their highly rated youngsters, has left the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
The move comes on the back of Monnapule Saleng’s departure on loan to newly promoted Orbit College, while Relebohile Mofokeng, the club’s other hotshot youngster, is also expected to depart.
Like Mofokeng, Nkota came through the ranks at Pirates and was given his big break by former coach Jose Riveiro. He grabbed his opportunity with both hands and impressed in the famous black and white jersey.
His status as one of the brightest young prospects in the South African game was confirmed when he earned his first international cap in a 0-0 draw against Tanzania in Polokwane last month.
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By moving to the Saudi Pro League, more eyes will be on the Kimberley-born Nkota. While his salary and transfer fee have not been made public, a player around Nkota’s age at Al-Ettifaq can be paid as much as R6.5 million a year. According to the Capology portal, the lowest-paid player at the club earns around R2.5 million per year.
The Saudi Pro League has made headlines in recent years due to a number of high-profile transfers. One of these players is global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Other players who have moved to the Middle East are Neymar, Ivan Toney, and Karim Benzema.
Nkota’s new club, Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh last season, are captained by former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum. Former Lyon and Fulham forward Mousa Dembélé is also on their books.
Al-Ettifaq are not one of the bigger clubs in Saudi Arabia, but they have tasted silverware. They’ve won the Saudi Pro League twice, but the last time they lifted the trophy was in 1987, 17 years before Nkota was born.
So, what do we know about Nkota’s new club?
Unlike the likes of Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad, they are not as cash-rich, as they’re not owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. However, the club is under the control of the country’s sports ministry.
For the upcoming 2025/26 season, they will be under a new manager in Saad Al-Shehri. The previous manager, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, left by mutual consent after 18 months in charge.
With more eyes on Nkota’s talents, he will be hoping to earn more Bafana Bafana call-ups in the future, and perhaps one day a move to Europe.
Nkota’s move is a big step for him, and it shows just how much South African talent is being noticed beyond our shores. It won’t be easy, but if he can prove himself in Saudi Arabia, there’s no telling where his career could go next. Fans will be watching closely, hoping he makes the most of this opportunity.
IOL Sport