Al Ettifaq's smiling starlet instantly 'showing fans what kind of person I am' | OneFootball

It’s fair to say it’s been a fantastic few weeks for Mohau Nkota.

A summer signing at Al Ettifaq, the South African starlet took all of seven minutes to truly announce his arrival in the Roshn Saudi League.

Taking on Al Kholood on the opening night of the 2025-26 season, Nkota both began the move - with an incredible piece of skill - and finished it, marking his official Al Ettifaq bow with a goal. Ultimately, it set up his new side for a win to kick-start their campaign on a high.

No doubt buoyed by his instant impact, Nkota carried that momentum into the international break. On Friday, he again netted an opener, this time striking for South Africa 15 minutes into their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

Like the previous week, it provided the platform for victory: South Africa ran out 3-0 winners. Subsequently, they sit top of Group C with three matches remaining and know, should they defeat Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, a spot at next year’s World Cup could be theirs.

As fate would have it, Nkota will most probably face off once more against William Troost-Ekong, captain for both Nigeria and Al Kholood, with whom he met  in 2025-26 RSL Matchweek 1.

It was back then, after that 2-1 victory at EGO Stadium, that Nkota spoke about his immediate connection with Al Ettifaq and, as his interactions on social media convey, the club's fans.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank God for everything, my family for always being there, [and] the people who manage me,” Nkota said. “It’s a very good league, competitive, so I’m happy to be here.

"I have a very good group of people, my teammates and my technical team – I’d like to thank them for the opportunity they gave me. And the fans of Ettifaq, thank you very much for welcoming me.”

Undoubtedly, given the seemingly perennial smile since his transfer from Orlando Pirates, and the various online exchanges with supporters, Nkota has become something of a fan favourite.

And, grinning wide again, the affection is reciprocated.

“Sometimes as a person you need to make yourself happy, wherever you go, joining a new team, feel comfortable, don’t be scared to be around the players,” the 20-year-old winger said. “I came during pre-season, showed the fans what kind of person I am, and they welcomed me well.

“So, I thank them for being there and supporting me.”