Nemtajela Reflects On His Rise From Kasi Football To Topflight
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has reflected on his remarkable football journey — from playing in Kasi tournaments to representing one of Africa’s biggest clubs, crediting hard work and perseverance as the key to his success.
The 24-year-old was playing in local township (Kasi) tournaments in Limpopo not too long ago and featured in one of the biggest community competitions in Soweto, the Mahlobo Games, in 2022.
Before that, Nemtajela played in the ABC Motsepe League before earning a move to Marumo Gallants in the Motsepe Foundation Championship during the 2023/24 season.
When Bahlabane Ba Ntwa purchased the Moroka Swallows status to join the Betway Premiership in the 2024/25 season, the Venda-born midfielder followed them into the top-flight and made his Premiership debut last season.
His impressive performances for Gallants caught the attention of Orlando Pirates, who signed him ahead of the current campaign.
The transition was made smoother by the fact that Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had previously coached Gallants during the latter stages of last season and was already familiar with Nemtajela’s qualities — a factor that has helped him earn regular game time at the Buccaneers.
Since joining Pirates, Nemtajela has made 11 appearances in all competitions, performances that have also earned him a national team call-up from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for the upcoming friendly against Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
“I am really grateful for what has happened to me since I started playing football,” said Nemtajela.
“My journey wasn’t easy. I started at Mahlobo, as you mentioned, playing on gravel pitches. But things happened very fast for me.
“I was playing in the NFD, then the following season I was in the PSL. In my second season, I was signed by Pirates, and just a few months later, after about six games, I received a national team call-up.
“I’m really grateful — it shows that the hard work I put in during training is paying off.”
Now, Nemtajela is hoping to make his Bafana Bafana debut and leave a strong impression, knowing this could be his final chance to convince coach Hugo Broos ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, which kicks off in December 2025.
