Masindi Nemtajela Reflects on Rapid Rise From Soweto Gravel Fields to Bafana Bafana Call-Up - Diski 365

Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has opened up about his swift journey from playing in Soweto's Kasi tournaments to earning a call-up for Bafana Bafana. The 24-year-old has quickly become a key figure at Pirates, making 11 appearances this season and already lifting his first trophy, the MTN8, since joining at the start of the campaign. Before arriving at the Soweto giants, Nemtajela played for Marumo Gallants, who recruited him from Sowetan side Senaoane Gunners in the ABC Motsepe League. The Limpopo club later purchased the top-flight status of Swallows FC, selling theirs to Lerumo United. After just one season in the elite division, Nemtajela secured a move to Pirates, marking a huge step up from the gravel fields of his early footballing days. "So, with my career, I'm really grateful for what has happened to me since I started playing football. My journey has not been easy. I started at the Mahlobo Games, playing on gravel," Nemtajela said. He continued, "Things happened fast for me. Soon, I found myself playing in the NFD, then the next season I was in the PSL, and then the second season I was signed by Pirates. After some months, maybe six games, my name was called to the national team. I'm really grateful. It shows that the hard work I put into training is paying off. I have to thank coach Hugo Broos for the opportunity he has given us." Nemtajela also shared his ambitions for the future. "I would like to see myself fighting for the nation at the World Cup. The coach has given us an opportunity, and now it's up to us to take it," he added. Earlier this year, Nemtajela represented Bafana B at the 2025 COSAFA Cup. He could make his debut for the senior national team in the upcoming friendly against Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday, continuing his remarkable rise from local tournaments to the international stage.