South African Youngster Beats Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez to Top Saudi Pro League Award

South African youngster Mohau Nkota may have been in the Saudi Pro League for a little under six months but he is already making waves.

Nkota signed for Al-Ettifaq in July from South African giants Orlando Pirates and has since become a fan favourite while he is also popular among his teammates.

To demonstrate just how popular he is, Nkota has been overwhelmingly voted for by supporters for a key award in the Saudi Pro League.

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On Tuesday, the 21-year-old winger was crowned the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year following an online fan vote that pitted him against his Bafana Bafana teammate Elias Mokwana.

The forward, who is currently in Morocco on AFCON 2025 duty, got the most votes ahead of Mokwana wo plays for Al-Hazem while African superstars like Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and ex-Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong missed out.

“Following your vote last night [Tuesday], Mohau Nkota has been voted the Roshn Saudi League African Player of the Year,” the Roshn Saudi League confirmed on their official page.

Nkota has scored two goals and added as many assists in nine league matches for Al-Ettifaq while his levelheadedness and bubbly character have endeared him to the club’s supporters.

The left-footed winger has enjoyed a great year, having made his senior team debut for Pirates in September 2024 before landing the big-money transfer to Saudi after just one season in the top flight.

He also earned his maiden call-up to the national team and has since become a key player under coach Hugo Broos who trusts him to start on the right wing ahead of many other experienced heads.