Reports: Former Pirates star Nkota to Portugal

Following the high-profile move from Orlando Pirates to Saudi Arabia before the start of the season, the 21-year-old from Kimberley scored two goals and made two assists in 17 games for Al-Ettifaq.

Despite the decent return, Nkota is linked with an exit to Portugal’s powerhouse Benfica.

WHY MOHAU NKOTA IS REPORTEDLY LEAVING AL-ETTIFAQ

According to the reports, Nkota’s move to Benfica is aimed at fast-tracking his development. The Portuguese giants have a proven track record of developing young foreign talent for Europe’s top league.

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“Club #Al Ittihad has decided to loan Mohau Nkota to Portuguese Benfica as part of a development plan, capitalizing on Benfica’s expertise in polishing players and selling them to top European clubs,” the Saudi reporter @_rdoss96 said on X.

Leading SABC Sports reporter Mazola Molefe said he reached out to Nkota’s agency. They said the move is possible and it will be a permanent rather than a loan deal.

HOW HE LEFT ORLANDO PIRATES

Nkota made waves in July with a surprise move to Al Ettifaq on a three-year deal. It was just eight months as a senior player for the Buccaneers, where he scored seven goals and provided five assists in 39 games.

Nkota’s story began in Kimberley with Sol Plaatje University, where his talent quickly stood out. Coach Mandla Qhogi, a CAF A and UEFA C-licensed tactician, first spotted him during a 2020 coaching clinic when he was coaching Orlando Pirates’ youth teams.

Too young to join the Sea Robbers at the time, Nkota was encouraged to keep sharpening his skills in the Sol Plaatje SAB League team before moving to Joburg at 17.

Nkota was enrolled at Bophelo Private School in Mayfair while climbing through the Orlando Pirates structures, from U-17, to U-19, and eventually the DStv Diski Challenge team.

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