Masindi Nemtajela: Orlando Pirates title‐winner faces delayed start to new season after injury setback

Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela is likely to miss the start of the new Betway Premiership campaign after an injury ruled him out of the club’s pre-season tour of Spain, putting his progress on hold after a breakthrough debut year.

The 24-year-old did not travel with the Buccaneers to their training camp at the Marbella Football Centre, having suffered an injury towards the end of last season that cut short his first campaign in Soweto.

While there has been no suggestion from the club that the problem is long term, his absence from the intensive preparations in Europe is expected to leave him behind his team-mates in terms of sharpness and match fitness.

Club insiders suggest the former Marumo Gallants player is more likely to be eased back gradually rather than rushed into competitive action as Pirates prepare for another demanding season domestically and in Africa.

Breakthrough season interrupted

Nemtajela’s setback comes at an awkward time, following what had been a highly encouraging first season in the famous black and white shirt.

Signed from Marumo Gallants in July last year, the midfielder quickly adjusted to life in Johannesburg and became a key figure in head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s plans.

Before injury brought an early end to his season, Nemtajela made 18 league appearances in the Betway Premiership, registering one assist as Pirates went on to be crowned champions.

He also featured across all major competitions: four appearances in the Carling Knockout, two in the Nedbank Cup, one in the MTN8 and three in the CAF Champions League, underlining the trust placed in him by the technical team.

His final outing came at the beginning of May against Stellenbosch FC, after which he missed the last three league fixtures of Pirates’ title-winning run.

Competition grows in crowded Pirates midfield

The timing of his lay-off could intensify the battle he faces to reclaim a regular starting spot.

Pirates have moved to reinforce their midfield options during the current transfer window, bolstering an area of the pitch that was already competitive last season.

With fresh arrivals joining established names, Nemtajela will return to a squad where places are at a premium, particularly in central areas where Ouaddou has shown a willingness to rotate based on form and tactical needs.

Missing the Spanish pre-season camp – a period normally crucial for tactical work, conditioning and squad integration – means the 24-year-old could find himself playing catch-up even once he is medically cleared to return.

Focus on rehabilitation and long season ahead

For now, the emphasis for Nemtajela is on completing his rehabilitation and regaining full fitness before being reintegrated into full training.

Medical staff are understood to be taking a cautious approach, aware that reintroducing him too quickly at the start of what is expected to be a long and congested campaign could risk further setbacks.

Pirates face another season in which they will juggle league commitments with domestic cup competitions and continental fixtures, making squad depth – and the availability of players like Nemtajela – a key factor.

Despite the current frustration, his performances in his debut campaign have already shown he can be an important asset for the Soweto giants. Once fully recovered, the midfielder is expected to push hard to build on the strong foundation he laid in his first year and re-establish himself as a regular contributor in Ouaddou’s side.