Money or dream? Ex-Orlando Pirates star Mohau Nkota opens up about inspiration to join Al-Ettifaq - 'We go there to work; we do what we always do'

Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota has defended his decision to join the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The youngster completed the move from the Premier Soccer League to Saudi Arabia in July after an impressive campaign with Bucs last season.

While stating that the move is a step in his career towards achieving his dream of playing in a top league one day, he says the primary motivation was not money.

"I don't think I'm going to finish my whole contract, my three seasons there, because I'm going there to work; it is a path to go to the top leagues," Nkota told Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified.

"Going there, it's not about the money; the money is good, but it's not about the money. Yes, the money is good. We know soccer players; we all want the money, but it's not about the money," he added.

The perception that the Middle East leagues are always for players nearing their retirement age has been there, but Nkota thinks otherwise.

"As I said, my dream is to play in the top leagues, but the strength and the intensity of that league are high. Look at what Al-Hilal did to Manchester City [in the FIFA Club World Cup]," he added.

"And then people might think that the league is for players to retire. It's not all about that, and it's not all about the money. We go there to work; we do what we always do."

Nkota was an instrumental player for Bucs under Jose Riveiro. He played a crucial role as the Sea Robbers fought for multiple trophies last season; however, they only won one.

Pirates reached the semi-finals in both the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League, where they lost to Kaizer Chiefs and Pyramids FC, respectively. They were also runners-up in the PSL, and Nkota's contributions were key in these campaigns.

Given his status after shining for Pirates, fans will follow him keenly to see if he can translate the same in Saudi Arabia.

After the move, eyes will be on Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos to see whether he will summon Nkota again for national duties. The 20-year-old was given his full Bafana debut against Mozambique in a June international friendly.