Stats: Nkota must beat Moremi to replace him in Pirates starting line-up

Orlando Pirates supporters are itching for Nkota’s return to the green grass. The 21-year-old from Kimberley made his sensational return with a loan deal from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq until the end of the season.

As a left-footed right winger, Nkota has to dislodge the Bafana Bafana international, Moremi, who is one of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s most-trusted soldiers.

WHAT TSHEPANG MOREMI OFFERS ORLANDO PIRATES

Since moving from AmaZulu FC before the start of the 2025/26 season, Moremi became an instant regular. His debut season resulted in 28 appearances with five goals and four assists.

Despite missing the past month’s action due to injury, Moremi has started the current season with three goals in seven games.

These are some of the levels Nkota has to aim for to break into the Orlando Pirates side. The 26-year-old Moremi has delivered more than goals and assists. The Sharpeville-born winger has averaged 33.95 passes per 90 minutes with an impressive 82.83% pass-completion rate.

BIGGEST DEMANDS FOR MOHAU NKOTA

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Nkota will be his output without the ball. This is one of the cornerstones of coach Ouaddou’s game model.

Despite his attacking flair, Moremi delivers on Orlando Pirates’ pressing style. He has made 22 tackles and eight interceptions in his seven games this term. That could be just as important for Nkota as his attacking numbers.

The 21-year-old will not only have to provide goals and assists but also demonstrate that he can contribute to the team’s pressing and defensive responsibilities.

For Nkota, the opportunity is now clear. Moremi has set the benchmark with five goals and four assists in his debut PSL season, followed by another three goals in the current campaign, while also contributing 33.95 passes per 90, an 82.83% completion rate, 22 tackles and eight interceptions.

If Nkota can match or surpass those numbers while fitting into Ouaddou’s tactical demands, his chances of becoming a regular starter for Orlando Pirates will only increase.

The Buccaneers take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday 10 October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THIS COMPETITION?

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