Mohau Nkota has become the latest piece in the Al-Ettifaq project, which began with Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson. Here’s a closer look at Nkota’s ambitious new club!
The story
Nkota’s move to Al-Ettifaq is historic by most measures, as he is the first and only South African footballer to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
The last individual with South African heritage to feature in the league was coach Pitso Mosimane, who managed Abha Club a few seasons ago.
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Nkota’s new side are a significant force in Saudi Arabian football.
They are among a handful of ambitious clubs outside the mega-rich Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed teams such as Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad.
Although Al-Ettifaq are not funded by the Saudi PIF, they are still run by a government entity — the Saudi Ministry of Sport.
In 2023, the club embarked on an ambitious project aimed at competing with PIF-backed giants.
They appointed Gerrard, who had previously enjoyed success with Scottish giants Rangers.
Top players signed since then include Henderson, Karl Toko Ekambi, Moussa Dembélé, and Georginio Wijnaldum — to name just a few!
Nkota now becomes the latest piece in the puzzle, with reports suggesting more high-profile signings are expected at the club.
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