Rising star Nemtajela rewarded after stellar start to Pirates career

From the gravel grounds to the international arena, Bafana Bafana midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has finally seen his lifelong dream come true after earning his first-ever national team call-up.

South Africa are set to face neighbours Zambia in an international friendly this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (kick-off 6pm). It will mark Hugo Broos and his men’s first outing since securing qualification for next year’s Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

This will also be their only match after the Safa’s attempts to arrange a friendly against world champions Argentina fell through. With a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon in Morocco — set to kick off towards the end of next month — the team could have benefited from more matches to fine-tune their preparations for the continental showpiece.

For newcomers like Nemtajela, time may be short, but the opportunity to make a lasting impression has arrived — and the midfielder has expressed deep gratitude for being selected.

The 24-year-old has been one of the fastest-rising players in South African football. His journey began with ABC Motsepe League outfit Senaoane Gunners, a platform that opened the door for him to feature for Marumo Gallants last season.

After just one campaign with Siwelele sa Marumo, Nemtajela earned a major move to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, reuniting with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who also joined the Buccaneers at the start of the season.

Having endured a tough climb through the ranks, Nemtajela’s hard work has finally paid off with his inclusion in Broos’ national team setup — an achievement he describes as a dream come true.

“Since I started playing football, I’ve always been grateful for everything that has happened along the way,” Nemtajela said.

“My journey hasn’t been easy, especially coming from playing on gravel pitches. Things have moved quickly — from the NFL to the PSL — and in just my second season, I was signed by Orlando Pirates.

“After only a few months at the club and about six matches played, I received a national team call-up. I’m truly thankful because it shows that the hard work I’ve been putting in during training is paying off.”

Coach Hugo Broos has continued to reward in-form players through his recent squad selections, opening the door for those who have shown consistency and determination at club level.

With the AFCON fast approaching, competition for places will be fierce. Many positions are already held by established regulars, but Nemtajela knows the importance of making his mark both in the national team and for Pirates once domestic football resumes.

Now a regular feature under Ouaddou at the Buccaneers, the midfielder is determined to seize this moment and push toward an even bigger goal — representing South Africa on the world stage.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity coach Hugo Broos has given us,” Nemtajela added.

“I’d love to fight for my country at the World Cup. He’s opened the door for us — now it’s up to us to make the most of it.”

After this weekend, Broos and Co will prep for a busy December, which will see them attend the World Cup draw on the 5th, followed by a training camp. They will then start their AFCON campaign against Angola on the 22nd, before completing Group B against Egypts and Zimbabwe.