Orlando Pirates coach reveals Mohau Nkota’s return date

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an injury update on new signing Mohau Nkota, with the winger facing several more weeks on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old returned to the Buccaneers last month on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, having spent the previous year in Saudi Arabia, where he scored two goals.

However, Nkota was not spotted training with the Pirates squad this week as they prepared for their CAF Champions League preliminary-round clash against La Cure Waves.

Ouaddou confirmed that the winger is still undergoing treatment and revealed that Pirates could have to wait until next month before he is available for selection.

“Nkota is still with the doctors, making treatment. I think he had an injury with his previous club, but I hope to have him in three or four weeks,” Ouaddou said as per iDiski Times.

Nkota’s return will provide Pirates with another option on the wing, where he is expected to compete for a starting position with fellow new signing Kabelo Kgositsile.

The Bafana Bafana winger enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with Pirates, scoring seven goals across all competitions. His performances attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, eventually leading to his move to Al-Ettifaq.

Nkota yet to make an appearance for Pirates

His spell in the Saudi Pro League initially got off to a promising start, but an injury, coupled with the tragic loss of his father, disrupted his progress and prevented him from maintaining his best form.

Pirates will now hope Nkota can make a full recovery and regain his match fitness in time for the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

With the final still some weeks away, the Buccaneers will be hoping the winger can feature in at least four or five matches before then, allowing him enough time to rebuild his fitness and sharpness.