Mohau Nkota opens up on breakout CAFCL season with Orlando Pirates

Pirates fell 3-2 on aggregate to eventual champions Pyramids FC, with Nkota's goal in the second leg ultimately proving insufficient to send the Soweto giants into the final.

Now plying his trade with Al Ettifaq, the winger—who has also been deployed as a fullback—was one of Pirates’ standout performers during the campaign.

He announced himself on the continental stage with four goals and two assists in nine appearances in what was his debut season in the competition.

Reflecting on his journey, Nkota revealed just how much the tournament meant to him.

"For me, it's a very good feeling. Even in my first game in the CAF Champions League, I started with a brace," Nkota told Saudi Pro League Media.

"I was happy scoring goals, helping the team go further and further. Scoring that goal in the second leg of the semi-final — if we won that, the guys would have gone to the final.

"We wanted to go to the final. That was my biggest dream — playing in the CAF Champions League final. We didn't make it, but I was very happy and excited to play in the semi-finals."

Nkota also credited the intensity of the Champions League for preparing him for life abroad, particularly the physical and tactical demands he now faces in Saudi Arabia.

"The thing that prepared me, I think, was the CAF Champions League at Orlando Pirates," he explained.

"You play against strong left-backs. They come hard at you and don’t give you space. The only option is to run behind them — but that comes with risk."

After a brief spell out due to a family bereavement, Nkota has worked his way back into the Al Ettifaq setup at a crucial time in the season.

With South Africa national football team gearing up for the FIFA World Cup, Nkota finds himself at a defining moment in his career. He started Bafana’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) —a 2-1 win over Angola national football team—but has since slipped down the pecking order and missed recent friendlies.

As Bafana Bafana prepares for their World Cup opener against Mexico national football team on June 11, Nkota will be hoping his CAF Champions League experience gives him the edge in the race for selection.