Bafana Bafana forward Mohau Nkota has addressed concerns that his recent move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq could affect his place in the national team setup.
The South African young star joined Ettifaq from Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The doubts come after Cassius Mailula’s struggles following his 2023 transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns to Toronto FC.
His lack of game time in Major League Soccer saw him eventually led to his omission from the squad by head coach Hugo Broos.
With Nkota now having made a similar move abroad, some fans fear he could follow the same path and lose his spot in the national team due to potential limited playing opportunities.
However, Nkota remains confident and unfazed by the comparisons. The 20-year-old talent believes that time is still on his side.
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"I might say it's up to him, the coach not to me, It's either he brings me to the national team or not," Nkota said on Sports Night Amplified With Andile.
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"But I'm still young. I'm still going to make it to the national team. There's still more time. I'm only 20 years, turning 21.
Nkota has also encouraged more South African players to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League, which he described as more intense and competitive than the Betway Premiership.
I think most of the players in South Africa should consider going to the Saudi League," he said.
"I think it's a good opportunity for most South Africans to go to Saudi because it is a good league and it's very competitive."
