AFCON snub fuels Masindi Nemtajela drive to get back in Bafana Bafana fold

Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has used his recent omission from the Bafana Bafana squad as motivation to drive his improvement, hoping to create more opportunities for future national team inclusion.

The former Marumo Gallants player earned his first senior national team invitation earlier this season after delivering a string of standout performances since joining the Buccaneers at the start of the campaign.

Although Nemtajela featured in Hugo Broos’ provisional squad, he did not make the final group — including the three standby players — announced at the beginning of the month for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

At 24, the midfielder has emerged as one of the standout performers under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

While earning a spot in the final squad was always going to be challenging — having only made his senior debut in November’s 3-1 friendly win against Zambia — he admitted he was not expecting much from this tournament in terms of selection.

Missing out has instead highlighted the areas he must strengthen to become a consistent presence in the national setup.

“I wouldn’t say I am disappointed. It was my first time getting a call-up to the national team, as I used to play at COSAFA. What it all means to me is that I need to pull up my socks,” Nemtajela said.

Fresh from helping Pirates secure their second trophy of the season with the Carling Knockout Cup triumph, Nemtajela expressed his gratitude to some of the senior players at Pirates, as well as the trust Ouaddou has shown in him, and the contribution he made during the final — even after picking up an early yellow card.

“It was not an easy game for us, but the guys were committed, and as Orlando Pirates, we know when we go to extra time, that is where we are powerful,” he continued.

“I worked with the coach last season. He is someone I understand, and he gave me a lot of belief, and in certain games I had to give back the trust he showed me.

“In the match against Gallants, I had a yellow card, and speaking to him about that situation, he advised that I stay on but just be more careful and not go in too hard; hence, I was able to finish the game.

“I am always encouraged by the senior players in the team, and they give me the backing about my abilities on the football field, and that is why I also get to improve with every game.”

Nemtajela, whose career trajectory has risen significantly since his move to Soweto, admitted he is not the same player he was before joining the club. Having spent last season with most of the current Siwelele sa Marumo players, the Pirates midfielder said the insight he gained on them prepared him for the intensity, as he knew the mindset Gallants would bring into the final.

“My life has changed a lot since I joined Orlando Pirates; my level of fame has also gone up.

“I played with my former teammates a lot, and I know when we play against teams like Pirates we go in with the mentality that we want to prove a point. They tried to go pound to pound, but they were caught in extra time.”