Elias Mokwana makes Al-Hazem debut after completing loan move | OneFootball

Mokwana makes debut for Al-Hazem in Saudi

Photo: Elias Mokwana

Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana has made his debut for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hazem in their 1-1 draw against Damac FC on Wednesday evening.

The 26-year-old forward, joined the Saudi club on a season-long loan from Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis after he was deemed surplus to requirements under coach Maher Kanzari, who is keen to bolster his squad with other foreign recruits.

Mokwana spent a season in Tunis, having signed on a high profile move from Betway Premiership club Sekhukhune United, in a move that was touted to be a steppingstone for the Limpopo-born player to ply his trade abroad.

He also attracted interest from Russian clubs, who couldn’t meet the Taraji’s valuation for his services, paving way for the newly promoted Saudi club to lure him to the oil rich kingdom on a deal that includes an option to buy.

During his stint with the Tunisian champions, Mokwana made 38 appearances across all competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup. He won the league title, Tunisian Cup and the Tunisian Super Cup in his debut season with Esperance.

Meanwhile, he was introduced as a second half substitute in the 72nd minute for his first-ever taste of football in the Saudi topflight division, where he will rub shoulders with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, among others.