Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a setback in their transfer plans as they have reportedly lost out to their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates, in the pursuit of Marumo Gallants midfielder Masindi Nemtajela.
Having caught the eye of Pirates, talented central midfielder Nemtajela has been strongly tipped for a move to the Buccaneers in recent weeks.
This publication can now confirm that an agreement in principle has been reached between the player and Pirates. The Buccaneers have reportedly tabled a five-year deal for Nemtajela, with the player anticipated to sign in the coming days, pending his camp’s review of the offer.
Nemtajela has been with Bahlabane ba Ntwa since August 2023. In the current campaign, the player has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Gallants. He has a goal and an assist to his name.
He has been a regular since the arrival of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took over the coaching reins from Dan Malesela at the Bloemfontein-based outfit.
His satisfying performances recently earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up, as he was part of Molefi Ntseki’s CHAN squad that played against Malawi. South Africa qualified for the CHAN tournament finals set to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August 2025 after beating Malawi 2-1 on aggregate last weekend.
KAIZER CHIEFS SHOW INTEREST IN SIGNING MARUMO GALLANTS STAR MASINDI NEMTAJELA
FARPost can reveal that Amakhosi did express interest in the Bafana Bafana international; however, they were unable to present a compelling enough offer to secure Nemtajela’s signature.
Sources indicate that in recent days, the Glamour Boys attempted to sway the player to Naturena from their rivals, Pirates, but ultimately fell short of matching the Sea Robbers’ offer. While Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC also made inquiries about Nemtajela, the battle for his signature ultimately came down to the two Soweto giants.
Nemtajela is expected to play an important role in Gallants’ last game of the season as they are gunning for a top-eight spot finish.
Gallants are currently placed 10th on the log standings with 31 points after 27 games. They are sitting on the same number of points as Chippa United and Chiefs, who occupy positions eight and nine, respectively.
Bahlabane ba Ntwa’s final Betway Premiership matches will be against Magesi FC away from home on Saturday, 24 May 2025.
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