Bafana Bafana star joins Mohau Nkota in Saudi Arabia after big-money move

Bafana Bafana forward Elias Mokwana has secured a big-money move to Saudi Arabi, making him the second South African player in the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.

Mokwana has been unveiled by Saudi club Al-Hazem after signing a one-year loan deal from Tunisian giants Esperance on Wednesday.

The Saudi club welcomed Mokwana’s signing, expressing delight at capturing the former Sekhukhune United star, who has joined them after just one season in Tunisia.

Mokwana impressed in his first season in Tunisia  

Al-Hazem have won the signature of the Bafana Bafana star ahead of Russian clubs Pari Nizhniy Novgorod and Dinamo Makhachkala who were keen on him before he was convinced by former Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri, who was impressed by his stint at Esperance last season.

The 25-year-old won a domestic treble in his debut season with Tunisian giants, managing 11 goal contributions in over 30 appearances across all competitions.

Mokwana had a slow start after joining Esperance, managing six goals and four assists, as the Tunisian giants won the league, Tunisian cup and Super Cup last season.

How long will Bafana Bafana star be in Saudi?

It is not clear if the loan deal has an option for Al-Hazen to buy Mokwana permanently but it appears like that is what will happen if he impresses after recent reports claimed that the Saudi club was ready to spend $800,000 (R14million) to sign him.

Based in Ar Rass, Al-Hazem are two-time Saudi champions with their last league title in 2021, but have struggled in recent years and just got promoted to the top flight ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Mokwana becomes the second South African player in the Saudi Pro League following the signing of Mohau Nkota by Al-Ettifaq.