Mohau Nkota edges Elias Mokwana and Sadio Mane for Saudi Pro League award

Published on 24 Dec 2025 at 20:24 by Joel Oliver

Bafana Bafana winger Mohau Nkota may have been in Saudi for just five months but he has already become a fan-favourite after winning a top award.

Nkota, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in July, has been crowned the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year following an online fan vote that pitted him against Bafana Bafana teammate Elias Mokwana.

The former Orlando Pirates was voted for overwhelmingly by fans ahead of Mokwana with other top African players in the league like Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and ex-Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong missing out.

Mohau Nkota Orlando Pirates — Image – Pirates

What makes Nkota stand out?

“Following your vote last night [Tuesday], Mohau Nkota has been voted the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year,” the Roshn Saudi League confirmed on their official page.

It is a major statement of endorsement for Nkota, who has taken to the Saudi Pro League like fish to water, with two goals and as many assists in nine games for Al Ettifaq.

Mohau Nkota celebrates after scoring on his debut for Al Ettifaq

Nkota has also endeared himself to fans due to his bubbly character and humility while he is popular among his teammates.

The winger is currently with Bafana Bafana in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations and started their opening game against Angola, playing 45 minutes before he was taken off for Tshepang Moremi.

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.