Mohau Nkota appears to have settled back into life at Orlando Pirates, with the returning winger now spotted wearing a new jersey number at the Soweto giants.
The 21-year-old attacker returned to the Buccaneers last month after completing a season-long loan move from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Nkota arrived back in South Africa while recovering from a knee injury, but there has been encouraging progress in recent days. The winger was spotted taking part in full training this week as he works his way back to match fitness.
Nkota takes jersey number 21
The returning Pirates star has been spotted wearing the No. 21 jersey, according to footage from the club’s training camp.
The number became available following the departure of defender Deano van Rooyen, who left the Buccaneers on 21 August.
Nkota previously wore the No. 33 shirt during his first spell with Pirates before making his move to Al-Ettifaq.
His return will be welcomed by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, particularly with the winger now back in full training and competing for a place in the Pirates attack.
Nkota’s first Pirates spell
Nkota made a strong impression during his first stint with the Soweto club.
The Kimberley-born attacker recorded seven goals and five assists in 39 appearances, including two memorable braces.
He announced himself with two goals on his Pirates debut against AmaZulu in 2024 before repeating the feat on his CAF Champions League debut against Algerian side CR Belouizdad.
Those performances helped establish Nkota as one of the exciting young attacking talents in the Pirates squad.
What happened at Al-Ettifaq?
Nkota’s move to Saudi Arabia gave him an opportunity to test himself in the Saudi Pro League, and he made an immediate impact.
The winger scored only seven minutes into his league debut as Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Kholood 2-1. His goal also saw him become the first South African footballer to score in the Saudi Pro League.
He eventually made 22 appearances, registering two goals and three assists.
However, his progress was interrupted by a serious knee injury. The setback required surgery and ruled him out for the latter part of the campaign.
Now back with Orlando Pirates, Nkota will be hoping to put the injury behind him and rediscover the form that made him such an exciting prospect before his move to Saudi Arabia.
His return could provide Ouaddou with another attacking option as Pirates continue their domestic and continental campaign.
