Mohau Nkota Finds His Rhythm in Saudi Arabia — And Maybe in Afrikaans Too

A fresh chapter is unfolding for South Africa’s rising star, Mohau Nkota, who has just landed in the Saudi Pro League. At 20, he’s now sharing the pitch with some of Europe’s biggest football names — and catching attention for more than just his footwork.

Nkota’s move to Al-Ettifaq was always going to draw eyes. After a breakout season with Orlando Pirates in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, the winger earned rave reviews for his pace, flair and composure on the ball. But no one quite expected him to be the subject of viral chatter over what language he might be speaking with his new teammates.

From Soweto to Saudi Arabia: A Big Leap for a Young Talent

Born and raised in the football-mad streets of Soweto, Nkota’s journey to the Gulf has come fast. He was just settling into life with the Buccaneers when overseas interest began to stir. Now, barely out of his teens, he’s already joined a league teeming with global stars and deep-pocketed ambition.

Al-Ettifaq might not be the flashiest name in the Saudi league, but their roster tells another story. Just ask Gini Wijnaldum, the Dutch midfield stalwart who lifted the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, or Moussa Dembélé, a journeyman striker with a résumé that spans Paris to Madrid.

For Nkota, it’s not just about the paycheck. It’s about exposure, pressure, and personal growth.

He’s soaking it all in.

Gini, Dembélé, and a New Locker Room Dynamic

Eyebrows were raised when a short video clip of Nkota chatting with Gini Wijnaldum during training surfaced online. It wasn’t just the chemistry between the two that stood out — it was the suspicion from South African fans that the conversation was in Afrikaans.

One ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) user quipped, “So Nkota’s teaching Gini Afrikaans now?” That post alone racked up thousands of likes and a flurry of amused replies. No confirmation came from the player himself, but the idea was enough to spark a lighthearted national moment back home.

Language aside, it’s clear Nkota isn’t shrinking under the spotlight.

He’s laughing, he’s learning, and by all accounts, he’s already earning the respect of his far more experienced colleagues.

A New Style of Football, a Different Climate, a Steep Curve

Adjusting to Saudi football is no walk in the park. The pace is different, the climate is brutal, and the cultural shift is as deep as it gets.

Yet Nkota seems up for the challenge.

He’s had to:

• Adapt to higher tactical discipline.

• Train under extreme temperatures.

• Embrace a multilingual squad room.

• Balance celebrity-level attention with his growth curve.

That said, a club insider reportedly told local press that “Nkota looks more comfortable than some of the older guys.” Whether that’s youthful fearlessness or just football IQ, it’s working.

The Money Is Good — But the Pressure Is Better

Saudi clubs are paying well, that’s no secret. But with bigger salaries come much bigger expectations. Fans want goals. Clubs want returns. Teammates expect you to deliver.

Nkota’s deal, while undisclosed, is believed to be worth well over R15 million a year. That’s roughly 10 times what he earned at Pirates.

But according to a source close to the player’s camp, money wasn’t the only motivator.

“He wanted to play with the best,” the source said. “He wanted to test himself. And this league gives him that platform — it’s not just about the wallet.”

Here’s how Al-Ettifaq’s current squad compares in terms of international experience:

What This Means for South African Football

There’s a bigger picture here too.

Nkota’s transfer is part of a growing trend: young South Africans moving abroad earlier. It’s a welcome sign in a country long plagued by player stagnation and inconsistent development at club level.

In recent years, only a handful of players have broken out internationally in their early 20s. Nkota’s rise may inspire others — and prompt local clubs to rethink how they nurture young talent.

It also brings visibility. Saudi Arabia is spending heavily on global sports visibility, and a rising South African star in their league puts Mzansi on a different kind of map.

Just this month, local PSL scouts were reportedly seen at Al-Ettifaq games. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe Nkota’s already having ripple effects.

What’s Next for Nkota?

It’s still early days. No one expects fireworks from the first few matches, but fans back home are watching.

There’s hope he’ll follow in the footsteps of players like Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar — stars who made the leap, stayed grounded, and came back to build football at home.

For now, though, Nkota seems happy. Settled. Focused.

And whether or not he’s really teaching Afrikaans to his Dutch teammate, he’s already fluent in the universal language that matters most on the pitch: football.