Following the official announcement of Mohau Nkota's signing by Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, we take a look back at some of the South African players who paved the way by competing in the Gulf region before him.
Nkota, one of the brightest young talents in SA football, penned a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq after a stellar 2024/25 season with Orlando Pirates.
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The 20-year-old left-footed winger was promoted to the Buccaneers' senior team in July 2024 from the club's reserve side and quickly became a standout performer under Jose Riveiro's leadership.
His consistent displays in the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League caught the attention of international scouts, ultimately leading to his move to the Middle East.
Here's a look at six South African players who made their mark in the Gulf region before Nkota.
1. Zane Moosa: Al-Ahli Saudi FC (Saudi Arabia)
A trailblazer of his time, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star spent time with Al-Ahli Saudi FC in the 1990s. His creative flair and attacking instinct earned him a place amongst the most skillful South Africans to play overseas during that era.
2. Thulani Serero: Al Jazira & Khor Fakkan (UAE)
The highly experienced midfielder, known for his time at Ajax Amsterdam and Vitesse in the Netherland, had spells with two United Arab Emirates clubs Al Jazira and Khor Fakkan.
After leaving Vitesse in 2019, Serero went on to spend at least almost seven year with in the UAE Pro League with the two sides, respectively.
3. Percy Tau: Qatar SC (Qatar)
Tau joined Qatar SC in January 2025 after parting ways with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The Bafana Bafana forward spent six months in the Qatar Stars League, where he continued to demonstrate his attacking prowess and versatility.
4. Ayanda Patosi: (UAE Clubs)
Patosi brought creativity and set-piece mastery to Bani Yas during his time in the UAE Pro League. He also made his name at Foolad FC and Esteghlal FC in the Persian Gulf Pro League. More so, his overseas experience made him one of SA's more well-traveled footballers.
5. Bantu Mzwakali: Al-Shaeib (Saudi Arabia)
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The former Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits midfielder made the switch to Saudi Arabia in 2024, joining Al-Shaeib in the Saudi First Division. He is one of a few players who have graced the Gulf region, as Nkota looks set to follow in their steps.
6. Lyle Peters: Al-Oruba SC (Oman)
Peters, a former youth prospect, ventured to Oman where he signed with Al-Oruba SC. Although his time there was relatively short, his move represented a growing trend of young South African players seeking opportunities in the Middle East.
