Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota has spoken out about his recent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, while also shedding light on his long-term career goals.
The 20-year-old attacker joined the Saudi Pro League side in July following an impressive 2024/25 campaign under then-coach Jose Riveiro.
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During his time with the Soweto giants, Nkota played a key role in helping the team secure the MTN8 title, finish as runners-up in the Betway Premiership, and reach both the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and the final of the Nedbank Cup.
Now plying his trade in the Middle East, Nkota has shared his aspirations, revealing that he hopes to move to a more competitive league even before his three-year contract with Ettifaq comes to an end.
Additionally, the lefty winger dismissed the widespread notion that the Saudi Pro League serves as a retirement home for ageing players. He emphasised the high level of competition, comparing it to that of other top global leagues.
"I know a lot of people might say that the league [Saudi Pro League] is where most players retire. But for me, starting there, it's an opportunity and a dream come true at my age," nkota said on SNAWA.
"I don't think I'm going to finish my whole contract, my three seasons there, because I'm going there to work, it is a path to go to the top leagues.
"Going there, it's not about the money, the money is good, but it's not about the money. Yes, the money is good. We know soccer players, we all want the money, but it's not about the money.
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"As I said, my dream is to play in the top leagues, but the strength and the intensity of that league are high. Look at what Al-Hilal did to Manchester City [in the FIFA Club World Cup]," he added.
"And then people might think that the league is for players to retire. It's not all about that, and it's not all about the money. We go there to work, we do what we always do."
