Orlando Pirates receive Mohau Nkota injury boost with return date revealed

Nkota recently rejoined Pirates on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, returning to South Africa after spending the 2025/26 campaign in the Middle East.

The talented winger left the Buccaneers at the start of last season after making a significant impact during his breakthrough campaign with the Soweto giants. Nkota came through the club's development structures before establishing himself in the first team under former coach Jose Riveiro.

During the 2024/25 season, his first full campaign with the senior side, the left-footed attacker made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

Nkota will now be hoping to rediscover his best form during his second spell at Pirates, but he arrived at the club carrying an injury sustained during his time with Al-Ettifaq.

Ouaddou has confirmed that the 21-year-old is still undergoing treatment and is expected to remain sidelined for several weeks.

"Nkota is still with the doctors and undergoing treatment. I think he had an injury when he was with his previous club. So I hope to have him in three to four weeks," Ouaddou said during a media briefing after training at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

Nkota's absence means Pirates will have to wait before benefiting from his pace and creativity as they prepare for a demanding period of the season.

Pirates are currently focused on their CAF Champions League campaign and will host La Cure Waves in the second leg of the first preliminary round at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates were held to a goalless draw by the Mauritian side in the first leg last weekend and will need to secure victory at home to progress to the next round.