From Kimberley to the Saudi Pro League: How Mohau Nkota Found His Way With Relebohile Mofokeng’s Guidance

South African winger Mohau Nkota has become one of the most exciting new faces in the Saudi Pro League. Just 20 years old, the Al-Ettifaq star is already scoring goals, impressing Bafana Bafana fans, and sharing a dressing room with football veterans like Georginio Wijnaldum. But behind his meteoric rise lies a story rooted in Kimberley’s streets, Orlando Pirates’ development system, and the mentorship of Relebohile Mofokeng.

Finding Confidence At Pirates

When Nkota joined Orlando Pirates as a teenager, leaving his home in Kimberley, he struggled with homesickness and self-doubt. The transition to life in Johannesburg and the pressure of playing for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs weighed heavily on him. That’s where Relebohile Mofokeng stepped in. Nkota recalls how the Pirates star reassured him in those early days: “He told me not to be scared. If I made a mistake, the team would win the ball back. He said I should just play my game.” Those words carried Nkota through tough times, teaching him to block out the noise and lean into his natural talent.

From Kimberley’s Dusty Fields To Big Stadiums

Nkota’s journey started much earlier in Kimberley, a city known for its diamond mines and a proud football heritage. Spotted at just five years old by local coach Petrus “Coach Papi” Mohapi, he grew up playing for Dalton Brothers, a community team in the HollywoodBets Regional League. Kimberley has produced stars like Jimmy Tau and the Henyekane brothers, but opportunities for young players are few. Nkota’s rise is all the more remarkable given the city’s struggles with unemployment and substance abuse. His move to Pirates was not just about football it was a chance to escape limited options back home.

Breaking Through At Orlando Pirates

Nkota worked his way through Pirates’ reserves under coaches like Joseph “Duku Duku” Makhanya. He made the senior team in 2024 under José Riveiro, going on to score seven goals in 39 appearances. Four of those came in the CAF Champions League, proving he could thrive on big stages. Pulling on the Pirates jersey made him a household name, and with it came attention he never expected. At local tournaments, young fans would gather just to see him, often ignoring the match itself.

The Saudi Pro League Adventure

In 2025, Nkota took another leap, signing for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. He immediately made an impact, scoring on debut in a 2-1 win over Al-Kholood and continuing to impress with both club and country. Even so, Nkota admits he sometimes feels starstruck. Seeing Wijnaldum’s photos with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé was surreal. But once again, he was reminded of lessons learned at Pirates: “Wijnaldum told me it’s all about discipline and doing your job. That’s how you go far.”

A Rising Star Who Stays Grounded

Despite his success abroad, Nkota remains closely tied to his roots. He often reflects on the sacrifices his mother made, even recalling the time she tried to stop him playing after a childhood accident. Today, those tears have turned into pride as she watches her son thrive in global football. Coaches who shaped his career say he has never lost his humility. Joseph Makhanya describes him as “a free spirit who dances and sings, but always gives 100%.”

For fans back home, Nkota’s rise is proof that talent from smaller cities can shine on the world stage. For the player himself, the Saudi Pro League is just another step toward his dream of playing in Europe. And if his story so far is anything to go by, the kid from Kimberley who once looked lost in the big city is now showing the world he belongs among the stars.

{Source: ESPN Africa }

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com