Nkota responds to possible Bafana Bafana snub after Saudi Arabia move – Up to Broos, I’m still young with time

South Africa international attacker Mohau Nkota recently made a shocking move from Orlando Pirates to the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

The 20-year-old made his breakthrough last season under the then-coach Jose Riveiro. In the 2024/25 edition, he played 39 games across all competitions with a return of seven goals and five assists.

More was expected from the attacker this season for both the Sea Robbers and Bafana Bafana before his surprise move to the Middle East. It is definitely a massive risk for the youngster, especially in his bid to play for the national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be played in December.

Most South African should consider playing in Saudi Arabia

Cassius Mailula made a move to the Major League Soccer, where he signed for Toronto FC where he struggled to deliver, eventually losing his spot at Bafana Bafana.

Nkota doesn't believe the same fate will befall him, but again, he says his immediate career with the national team depends on coach Hugo Broos. But he insists he is still young and will have many chances in the future.

“I might say it's up to him, the coach, not to me. It's either he brings me to the national team or not,” Nkota told Sports Night Amplified.

“But I'm still young. I'm still going to make it to the national team. There's still more time. I'm only 20 years old, turning 21. I think it's a good opportunity for most South Africans to go to Saudi Arabia because it is a good league and it's very competitive,” he concluded.