Masindi Nemtajela plays a pivotal new role against Mamelodi Sundowns! | OneFootball

Pirates' new star will play a pivotal role against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Masindi Nemtajela plays a pivotal new role against Mamelodi Sundowns!

A new hero emerged for Orlando Pirates in their midweek Carling Knockout victory, and his name is Masindi Nemtajela. The 23-year-old from Soweto, typically deployed further forward, was handed a surprising tactical assignment for the clash against Magesi FC. With the experienced Sihle Nduli sidelined by injury, the call went out to Nemtajela to drop into a deep-lying midfield role, tasked with shielding debutant Camren Dansen.

He didn't just fill the gap; he owned it. Nemtajela delivered a commanding performance that was so impactful, he walked away with the Man of the Match award, giving Pirates fans a thrilling new storyline to follow as they prepare for Saturday's heavyweight encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Reflecting on his breakthrough display, Nemtajela attributed his success to mindset, stating, "With my performance, it was just about dedication. So, I’m happy with my performance."] He went on to explain the coach's specific instructions, revealing, “Yes, the coach set us up like that, because obviously Mr Nduli is injured. So, they placed me in that position and told me to look after Dansen. So, that’s why today I was playing deeper.”

This masterful adaptation and swift rise has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. His performance was so compelling that it earned him immediate recognition from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who included the rising star in the preliminary squad for next month's friendly against Zambia, capping off a truly remarkable week for the young Buccaneer.