Masindi Nemtajela, the Orlando Pirates midfielder, has thanked Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for selecting him to the national squad. The 24-year-old is set to feature in the friendly against Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Speaking at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday, Nemtajela said he wants to use the opportunity to push for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. “He has given us an opportunity and now it’s up to us to use the chance given to us,” he said.
Nemtajela’s rise has been rapid. From playing in the dusty fields of Soweto during the Kwa-Mahlobo Games, he moved into the National First Division and then the Premier Soccer League. After just 11 games with the Buccaneers, he earned his Bafana Bafana call-up. “I haven’t had an easy journey. But soon I found myself playing in the NFD, then the PSL, then signed by Pirates. After six games my name is called to the national team. I’m really grateful,” he said.
Coach Broos said he will give new players a chance to impress ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month. “Friendly games do not exist. Every game we have to be focused and try to win,” Broos said.
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