Breaking taboo! Mohau Nkota annoys Pirates fans by donning Kaizer Chiefs jersey

Former Orlando Pirates academy graduate Mohau Nkota has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after being photographed wearing a Kaizer Chiefs jersey.

Nkota, who now plays for Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, was seen in the Amakhosi kit after a friendly jersey exchange with Chiefs’ rising star, Mfundo Vilakazi. In return, Vilakazi received Nkota’s Al-Ettifaq shirt.

The gesture, initially a simple sign of mutual respect between two young talents, quickly drew the ire of some Orlando Pirates supporters online. The image of Nkota, a player developed within the Pirates system, wearing the colours of their fiercest Soweto rivals did not sit well with a segment of the Buccaneers’ fanbase.

Nkota enjoys cult status at Pirates

Fans voiced their disapproval, arguing that a player with deep roots at Pirates should refrain from wearing a Chiefs jersey out of respect for the intense rivalry that defines Soweto football.

Nkota made a name for himself at Pirates where he came through the ranks before being handed first team opportunities by ex-coach Jose Riveiro.

The 21-year-old had just one season in the Pirates senior team but that was enough to convince the Saudi club to sign him, having made 39 appearances for the Buccaneers, while scoring seven goals and adding five assists.

Camaraderie among players on show

Nkota’s rise to prominence at Pirates also earned him a maiden call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers before his good start in Saudi convinced coach Hugo Broos to select him for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has so far made 19 appearances for Al-Ettifaq, scoring two goals and weighing in with three assists, but his latest act, even though well-meaning, could alienate him from Pirates fans.

The jersey swap, however, also highlights the camaraderie that can exist between players, even those on opposing sides of a historic derby.