Mohau Nkota’s switch from Orlando Pirates to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq now makes financial sense.
Nkota, 20, raised some eyebrows when he left the Buccaneers for the Pro League in July, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has suggested the Asian league is not an ideal environment for young players.
In fact, the Pro League is considered a platform for players who are looking for their last big payday in the twilight of their careers.
However, the Pro League is not your ordinary setting, especially in financial terms, and Nkota can attest to it.
According to Capology, a website that offers comprehensive data coverage of player salaries and football club finances, the Kimberley-born winger takes home €19,615 (R396 000) per week in Dammam, meaning he earns €78 460 (R1.6 million) monthly.
The highest earner in the Pro League is five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now on €4 million (R81 million) per week at Al Nassr.
To his credit, Nkota is off to a good start in the Pro League, and to date, he has scored one goal and provided two assists in five matches.
Speaking of assists, Nkota has been shortlisted for the Saudi Pro League’s Assist of the Week award, alongside Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane.
