Rising star Nemtajela rewarded after stellar start to Bucs career

FROM the gravel grounds to the international arena, Bafana Bafana midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has finally seen his lifelong dream come true after earning his first-ever national team call-up.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

South Africa are set to face neighbours Zambia in an international friendly this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (kickoff 6pm).

It will mark Hugo Broos and his men’ first outing since securing qualification for next year’s Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

This will also be their only match after the Safa’s attempts to arrange a friendly against world champions Argentina fell through. With a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon in Morocco — set to kick off towards the end of next month — the team could have benefited from more matches to fine-tune their preparations for the continental showpiece.

For newcomers like Nemtajela, time may be short, but the opportunity to make a lasting impression has arrived — and the midfielder has expressed deep gratitude for being selected.

The 24-year-old has been one of the fastest-rising players in South African football.