AFCON 2025: Orlando Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela not disappointed after missing out on South Africa’s final squad

Orlando Pirates star Masindi Nemtajela says he is unfazed missing out on South Africa final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Despite his impressive run of form, the enterprising midfielder could not make the cut for the continental showpiece to be staged in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.

But the hard-running and nippy midfielder has no iota of disappointment on missing out on Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations final 25-man squad.

“I won’t say I’m disappointed. It was the first time that I got a call-up from the senior national team [against Zambia].”

Nemtajela arrived at Orlando Stadium in the off-season from Marumo Gallants and has established himself as one of the most dynamic midfielders in the Premiership.

Over the weekend, he lifted the Carling Cup trophy with the Sea Robbers having already won the MTN8 Cup earlier this season.

And instead of wearing a long face for missing the flight to Morocco, Nemtajela sees it as an opportunity to better his game.

“I was used to playing the COSAFA tournament. But I believe it means I need to pull up my socks.”