Mohau Nkota’s return to Orlando Pirates has increased competition for places in attack — and one established player could find himself pushed down the pecking order.
The Bafana Bafana winger has returned to the Buccaneers on a season-long loan from Al-Ettifaq, and expectations will be high for the 21-year-old to rediscover the form that earned him a move to Saudi Arabia.
But with several players competing for limited spots in the wide attacking positions, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now has an intriguing selection puzzle to solve.
Who makes way for Nkota?
Nkota made 21 Saudi Pro League appearances last season, registering two goals and three assists.
His return to South Africa gives him an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and form, but a starting place is unlikely to come without competition.
He could find himself battling for minutes with Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Gamphani Lungu.
Lungu’s situation remains particularly interesting after the Zambian winger suffered an injury during Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United.
Before that setback, Lungu had been one of the team’s standout performers, contributing four goals and two assists in five Betway Premiership appearances.
If Lungu is unavailable for an extended period, Nkota’s return could immediately become even more significant.
However, once everyone is fit, Ouaddou could face a difficult decision over which attacking players start regularly.
Moremi, for example, could potentially become an impact substitute as Pirates rotate their squad across multiple competitions.
Pirates dealing with wider injury problems
Nkota’s arrival comes at a time when Pirates are already dealing with several injury concerns.
Sihle Nduli picked up a knock during the 1-1 draw against AmaZulu, while Evidence Makgopa is expected to miss up to two months after aggravating a knee problem.
Makgopa reportedly played through the issue during the World Cup, but now requires time on the sidelines.
There is also concern surrounding Thalente Mbatha, who has a knee problem requiring surgery.
The injury situation makes squad depth increasingly important for Pirates as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Champions League challenge awaits
Pirates’ immediate focus will shift to continental football, with the Buccaneers facing La Cure Waves FC in a CAF Champions League qualifying double-header.
The two fixtures are scheduled for 6 and 12 September.
That busy schedule should give Ouaddou opportunities to rotate his squad, meaning Nkota’s return does not necessarily spell the end of another player’s starting ambitions.
Instead, the competition for places could become one of Pirates’ biggest strengths.
With Nkota back, Appollis competing for minutes, Moremi pushing for a regular role and Lungu waiting on his injury assessment, the battle for places in the Pirates attack is heating up.
So, when everyone is fit, who should make way for Nkota?
