Where is Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela?
· The South African
Orlando Pirates fans seem to have forgotten about midfielder Masindi Nemtajela.
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The 24-year-old joined the Buccaneers last season and made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring once.
Despite being a regular under Abdeslam Ouaddou last campaign, Nemtajela has been nowhere to be seen at the start of the new season.
Pirates have played five matches so far, yet the midfielder is still waiting for his first appearance.
His absence is particularly surprising given the changes to the squad. With the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng and uncertainty surrounding Patrick Maswanganyi, Nemtajela could have been given an opportunity in the number 10 role.
Nemtajela yet to feature this season for Pirates
With Thalente Mbatha also sidelined through injury, there is arguably an even stronger case for Nemtajela to be deployed in an attacking midfield position.
Instead, Simphiwe Masilela and Mthetheli Mthiyane have been preferred ahead of him this season, suggesting that Nemtajela has fallen down the pecking order at Pirates.
He may not be the biggest fan favourite, but Nemtajela showed flashes of quality last season. He had a few impressive performances and appeared to be a player who could improve with more experience and regular game time.
Nemtajela is not the only midfielder struggling for opportunities, either.
Kabelo Dlamini has also seen very little game time. The talented playmaker has been underutilised for years, while reports suggested that he was recovering from an injury during pre-season.
Dlamini’s future at the club also appears uncertain. At his age, he needs regular football, and if his situation does not change, he could leave Pirates either in this transfer window or at the end of the season.
Nemtajela could face a similar fate next season if Pirates fail to utilise him during the current campaign. He is not injured currently and his absence has not been explained.
The Buccaneers have a packed schedule ahead, with several cup competitions to navigate, meaning opportunities should eventually open up for players on the fringes of the squad.
Whether Nemtajela gets those opportunities, however, could depend on how the new signings perform and whether they impress Ouaddou.
For now, the midfielder appears to have gone from being a regular last season to being almost completely forgotten.