Ex-Pirates man Nkota reveals secret behind scoring debut at Saudi club

Bafana Bafana star Mohau Nkota believes his scoring debut at his new club Al Ettifaq is down to the fact that he has settled in quickly at the club.

Nkota made an immediate impact in the Saudi Pro League when he scored one goal to help Al Ettifaq secure a 2-1 victory against Al Kholood in Dammam.

The former Orlando Pirates winger, one of the summer's most anticipated signings, opened the scoring midway through the first half with a confident strike, quickly living up to his reputation as a rising star.

𝗠𝗢𝗛𝗔𝗨 𝗡𝗞𝗢𝗧𝗔'𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗗

Better quality video of Mohau Nkota's goal including celebration of our boy and replays! 📹pic.twitter.com/jRz6Ss5Tch

— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) August 28, 2025

He came close to adding a second goal shortly after, but his curling shot hit the post. Al Kholood, led by new manager Des Buckingham and playing their first match under foreign ownership, mounted a strong response.

Al Ettifaq relied on their experience to win

Former Blackburn defender John Buckley also scored on his debut, netting a well-executed equaliser just before halftime.

However, Al Ettifaq's experience ultimately made the difference. Captain Georginio Wijnaldum stepped up to restore his team's lead with a clinical finish on the hour mark.

Nkota is delighted at how things went in his first match and believes it would not have turned out that way had he not made himself comfortable as soon as he joined the club.

What has Nkota said about Saudi stay?

“It is a very good league, competitive so I am very happy to be here and I have a very good group of people, my team-mates, technical people and I would like to thank them for the support they gave me and the fans of Ettifaq, thank you so much,” Nkota said after the match.

Nkota and Wijnaldum speaking after the match🗣️#EttifaqAlkholood | #RSL pic.twitter.com/IAxQrTwdgK

— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) August 28, 2025

“You need to make yourself happy whenever you go and join a new team. Feel comfortable, don’t be scared to be around the players. I came in pre-season and showed them what kind of person I am and they welcomed me well. I thank them for being there for me and they are always supporting me.”

Nkota joined Al Ettifaq in July for a reported R25 million, signing a three-year contract, and he looks home already even though he has been at the club for just over a month.