Newly called-up Bafana Bafana midfielder Masindi Nemtajela says his relentless efforts to succeed have paid off with his meteoritic rise taking him from the Mahlobo Games on a gravel pitch to the senior national team.
Nemtajela, 24, was playing kasi football as early as 2022 – which then took him towards the ABC Motsepe League Senaoane Gunners, his first football club, before turning professional with Marumo Gallants the following in season in the second-tier.
After just one campaign in the top-flight, with 18 games, he attracted interest from Austria, but Orlando Pirates made a swift move for his services and the rest is history.
“In my whole career I’m really grateful for what’s happening to me. I haven’t had an easy journey. I started at the Mahlobo games like you mentioned, playing on gravel.
“But then my things started to move very fast. Soon I found myself playing in the NFD, then the next season I’m in the PSL and then the second season I was signed by Pirates.
“Then after some months, maybe after six games my name is called to the national team. So I’m really grateful which means that the hard work I’m putting in at training is paying off today.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that coach Hugo Broos has given us. And I’d also like to see myself fighting for the nation at the World Cup. So he has given us an opportunity now it’s up to us to use the chance given to us.”
After just 11 games for Pirates, the tireless midfielder could be in line for his senior national team debut when they take on Zambia on Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.