WATCH: Former Orlando Pirates attacker Mohau Nkota scores on dream Al Ettifaq debut, combines with ex-Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum to down Al Kholood

Mohau Nkota scored Al Ettifaq's first goal on their way to a 2-1 victory over Al Kholood in a Saudi Pro League opening match of the season at EGO Stadium on Thursday.

The former Orlando Pirates star struck from the edge of the box in the seventh minute before Al Kholood equalised through John Buckley nine minutes before halftime.

Ex-Liverpool attacker Georginio Wijnaldum then restored the hosts' lead just after the hour mark to seal victory.

Nkota played the entire match on an evening he was making his competitive debut for Al Ettifaq. 

It was an unforgettable day for Nkota, who earlier on was named in the final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

After making his national team debut in June's international friendly match against Tanzania and then featuring against Mozambique, he is now set to play his first competitive Bafana match if Broos picks him.

Thursday's exploits showed how quickly Nkota has adapted to life in Saudi Arabia and could easily make an impact in the national side.

Having started the Saudi Pro League campaign on a high, that was the perfect confidence booster Nkota needed and more is expected from him.

He now heads to South Africa for national team duty before returning to Al Ettifaq, who face Al Ahli on September 12 at home again.