The Mohau Nkota Story: From career threatening injury to Orlando Pirates' hero - 'Am I going to play again? Is my career over? It can’t end like this'

Mohau Nkota struck a brace as Orlando Pirates edged CR Belouizdad 2-1 in a Caf Champions League match on Tuesday.

He was making his debut and made a huge difference in a pressure-cooker game in which he shone like a seasoned player.

The Kimberly-born starlet is in his debut top-flight league season although he started training with the Pirates first team last term.

While on his way up the ladder, Nkota suffered a neck injury in April 2024 while turning put for the Buccaneers DStv Diski Challenge side against Kaizer Chiefs and doctors hinted at him not playing again.

A Pirates staffer Thabang Lepule, who was by the attacking midfielder's bedside in hospital, explains how a distraught Nkota was worried he would never play football again.

“While we were waiting for the results to come out, Mohau was visibly distraught," Lepule told Pirates' website.

"Asking questions like, 'Am I going to play again? Is my career over? It can’t end like this surely.'” 

“It was so tough because I could see that the boy was dreading the worst. We didn’t know if he would fully recover, let alone return to the sport he loved.”

“It was one of the toughest moments of my life. I had recently started training with the first team, and I believe at DDC I was playing some of my best football," the Buccaneers starlet narrates. 

“The injury came at the worst time possible. Here I am about to become a professional player, and this happens. During my four to five hours wait at the hospital, I had many thoughts coming into my head but fortunately, through God’s grace, I overcame my situation. 

“My return to playing was slow and taxing on me mentally because I had long dizzy spells and constant headaches,” he added.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means to me. To score twice in such an important match is a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for everyone who believed in me and for this incredible club.”

Just two months after making his professional debut, Nkota is already making waves with four goals in seven appearances across all competitions.

He becomes another high-flying Pirates youngster to be introduced by coach Jose Riveiro after Relebohile Mofokeng with whom he combined well in Algeria.

Nkota is now overshadowing the likes of Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Gilberto and Kabelo Dlamini.

Pirates host Stellenbosch seeking to make it eight Premier Soccer League wins in eight games at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Nkota is still high from Tuesday's exploits and would be hoping to make it another memorable outing.