Masindi Nemtajela’s Remarkable Road from KwaMahlobo Games to AFCON Contention

From rags to riches. That’s pretty much how the transformation of Masindi Nemtajela’s football career can be summed up over the past few seasons.

In a sport where development through academy programs is often seen as the ideal route, Nemtajela has taken the road less traveled to reach one of the greatest honors a player can achieve in his football career: a national team call-up.

A Seed Planted on Gravel Fields

The 24-year-old burst onto the football scene in 2022 when he was still playing dusty football on gravel pitches - famously known as “Ebhuqwini” - at the much-revered Kasi tournament, the KwaMahlobo Games.

From there, his rise knew no boundaries. He joined the ABC Motsepe League side Senaoane Gunners, and the following season, he moved to Marumo Gallants, who were still competing in the NFD.

Having “turned pro” with Gallants in the second-tier division, Nemtajela’s career came full circle when Gallants bought the status of Moroka Swallows in the top flight. He didn’t rest on his laurels there either. His 18 appearances for the club were enough to attract the interest of Soweto giants Orlando Pirates this season.

A Dream Move to Orlando Pirates

After making the switch from Mangaung to Soweto, Nemtajela watched from the sidelines during the first few matches. But after finally being handed his debut by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou - who had previously worked with him at Gallants - Nemtajela grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Since then, he has never looked back. He’s become one of the team’s regular midfielders, thanks to his silky touches and incisive passing.

Bafana Bafana’s Timely Call-up

His exploits at Pirates haven’t gone unnoticed. Nemtajela earned his maiden call-up from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to form part of the final 23-man squad that will face Zambia in the teams’ AFCON preparation match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday evening (6 pm, kick-off).

Nemtajela is full of gratitude for his meteoric rise, which has earned him national recognition, and that’s why he reflected on his journey with deep emotion.

“Since I started playing football, I have been grateful for everything that has happened to me,” Nemtajela said. “My journey hasn’t been easy since I started playing in the KwaMahlobo Games, like you mentioned.

“So, I am really grateful for all that has happened. But this also means that my hard work in training is paying off.”

Broos said it’s still too early to declare whether Nemtajela and fellow newcomer Keletso Makgalwa will make the final squad to represent South Africa at the AFCON finals in Morocco in December.

He did, however, give them hope, saying that if they continue to impress at their clubs, it will be difficult to overlook them for that tournament and even for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Nemtajela Eyes the Future

Nemtajela isn’t thinking too far ahead, though. He just wants to seize the opportunity he’s been given and let his actions - both in training and on match day - do the talking.

“I want to thank Hugo Broos for the opportunity. I would also love to represent my country at the World Cup,” Nemtajela said. “We’ve been given an opportunity, and it’s up to us now to impress. We have the chance.”

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