Agent comments on Mohau Nkota’s move amid Benfica interest

Reports over the weekend linked the Al-Ettifaq winger with a possible transfer to Portuguese giants SL Benfica as part of his continued development.

Nkota joined Al-Ettifaq at the start of the season in a deal worth around R40 million from Orlando Pirates and has adapted impressively to life in Saudi Arabia. 

His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning praise from Hugo Broos and securing his place in the Bafana squad.

The 21-year-old was recently part of South Africa’s squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they were eliminated at the round of 16, and he remains in contention for selection for the FIFA World Cup later this year.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Nkota’s representative, Karabo Tshabuse of P Management Agency, confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the player’s future.

“There has been no decision. We are engaged with his club about his future and several teams about their interest in transferring him,” Tshabuse said.

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She further clarified that should a move materialise, it would not be on a loan basis.

“If anything happens, it would be a permanent transfer,” she added.

Nkota has previously made his ambitions clear. 

Speaking on Metro FM after his move to Saudi Arabia, he emphasised that his decision was not purely financial, but part of a longer-term plan to eventually play in Europe.

With interest now emerging from clubs such as Benfica, that pathway appears to be taking shape.

However, any potential move may have to wait, with the European transfer window currently closed and only reopening on 1 July. 

This timeline could align with the conclusion of international commitments, including the World Cup, should Nkota secure a place in Broos’ final squad.

For now, his future remains open but the direction is increasingly pointing towards Europe.