Masilela tipped for Bafana Bafana call-up after bright Pirates start

Orlando Pirates midfielder Simphiwe ‘Vempi’ Masilela has been backed to earn a place in the Bafana Bafana squad before the end of this season, despite only recently stepping up to first-team football.

The 22-year-old was promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge at the start of the campaign and has quickly drawn attention with his performances. He has been included in all 14 match-day squads, featuring in every game except three.

Mbuso Magubane, chairman of Masilela’s former ABC Motsepe League club Fernie Battalions FC, believes the midfielder has shown only part of his ability since joining Pirates.

“All that has been seen of him at Pirates are only glimpses of what he can do,” Magubane said.

Masilela, who comes from Wesselton township in Ermelo, played for Fernie Battalions before being identified at the Pirates Cup two years ago while representing an Ermelo select team.

Magubane said the club had helped introduce the player to provincial football while he was in Grade 12, following his involvement in the regional leagues.

“Our task was to give him the platform that his talent deserved after having scouted him along four other boys,” he said.

“We knew that we would not keep the boy for long when he joined us, and no surprise it has happened that way. The beauty is that he also left with our blessings after he asked for his clearance.”

Masilela was registered as an Under-23 player at Battalions because league rules required clubs to field five Under-23 players. However, Magubane said the midfielder was never treated as a junior within the team because of his influence on matches.

“While with us, we registered him as an Under-23 because the rules state that we play with five Under-23 players, but then we never regarded him as an Under as he played from start to finish all the time, created and scored goals,” he said.

“What he is doing now at Pirates is only a glimpse of what he can do. The boy is a marvel to watch.”

Magubane also praised Masilela’s background and temperament, saying the player had remained respectful and disciplined while taking advantage of his opportunities.

“With the opportunities he is getting, I expect him to be in the Bafana squad soon, maybe before the end of this season,” he said.

“I know we have Relebohile Mofokeng in the national team, but in Vempi we also have another equally capable option coming up.”

Masilela’s progress has also influenced how Magubane runs Fernie Battalions. He said the player’s rise had encouraged him to rely more heavily on younger footballers.

Previously, Magubane spent up to R100 000 a month on senior players recruited from higher leagues. His current squad, made up of younger players, has lower stipend demands.