Saudi club Al-Ettifaq turning heads with African talent spree
According to the rumour mill, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq have reached an agreement with Orlando Pirates for the transfer of rising star Relebohile Mofokeng.
Image: Phakamisa Lensman / BackpagePix
RECENTLY, this DFA reported on Mohau Nkota’s dream journey from Kimberley’s dusty football fields to the Saudi Pro League that captured hearts in his hometown – but his recent signing for Al-Ettifaq may just be the beginning of a broader shift in African football.
The 20-year-old Orlando Pirates winger, whose breakout season included 39 first-team appearances and several eye-catching performances in the CAF Champions League, confirmed his move to Al-Ettifaq earlier this month. It’s a major career leap for the former Pirates academy player, and now it appears he may soon be joined by a familiar face.
Al-Ettifaq widening their net
According to as yet unconfirmed reports, Al-Ettifaq have also reached an agreement with Pirates for the transfer of rising star Relebohile Mofokeng. The fee is believed to be in the region of €1.5 million (about R31 million), and if finalised, Mofokeng would become the second Buccaneers product to join the Saudi outfit in the current window.
Their arrivals are part of a growing trend that sees Al-Ettifaq looking increasingly toward African talent to reinforce their squad. Earlier in the window, the club reportedly spent €1.2 million (around R24.6 million) to bring in a Bafana Bafana international, also widely seen as one of South Africa’s top prospects.
And they may not be done yet.
With the team’s French forward Moussa Dembélé ruled out for an extended spell due to a ruptured Achilles, Al-Ettifaq are believed to be closing in on Egyptian international striker Ahmed Hassan. The 32-year-old, who most recently played for Le Havre in France, is out of contract and reportedly keen to join the Saudi club as a short-term attacking solution.
Africa-focused Saudi Arabian club
If the deal goes through, it would strengthen Al-Ettifaq’s case as one of the most Africa-focused clubs in the Saudi Pro League this season – blending youth, experience, and continental diversity as they aim for a competitive campaign.
For fans in Kimberley and across South Africa, Nkota’s presence is already reason enough to follow the Knights of Ad-Dahna more closely. But if Mofokeng joins him soon, there may be even more reason for local supporters to keep an eye on Saudi football this season.