Willard Katsande has heaped praise on Masindi Nemtajela and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo while also naming the most improved player from his former club, Kaizer Chiefs.
Nemtajela has been a vital cog for Orlando Pirates, featuring in 11 matches across all competitions, five of which came in the Betway Premiership.
Nemtajela has been so impactful for the Abdeslam Ouaddou-coached side. His Man‑of‑the‑Match performances for Pirates earned him a call‑up to the Bafana Bafana squad that faced Zambia in an international friendly last Saturday, 15 November, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
On the other hand, Ndlondlo has proved doubters wrong after being released by Pirates at the end of last season and re‑joining Marumo Gallants. The 30‑year‑old has played 12 games for Gallants – nine in the Betway Premiership and three in the Carling Knockout Cup – and has already scored three goals.
Moreover, Katsande identified Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa as the most improved player at Chiefs and in the league. This season, Mthethwa has appeared in 11 Betway Premiership matches, three CAF Confederation Cup fixtures and one Carling Knockout Cup game.
When FARPost asked Katsande who his standout performers were in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership, he named Nemtajela, Ndlondlo and Mthethwa as his top three.
MTHETHWA HAS REJUVENATED HIMSELF THIS SEASON, SAYS KATSANDE
He was quick to give Mthethwa a pat on the back, pointing out that the Amakhosi midfielder is the most improved player both at his club and across the entire league.
“It’s been a very interesting season so far, one of the best in the Betway Premiership era,” Katsande told FARPost.
“First up, I’d pick Masindi Nemtajela – he’s a fantastic baller who can handle the ball well and cover a lot of ground. He’s very skilful; you play nice, he plays nice, and if you want to play ugly, he can handle that too. He also takes plenty of long‑range shots.
“My second‑best player this season is Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo from Marumo Gallants. Since re‑joining the team, he’s been brilliant, consistently performing well, and he’s proving doubters wrong.
“Finally, I’d put Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa in the mix. Look at how he finished last season and how he’s rejuvenated himself this season – he’s become an important figure for Kaizer Chiefs right now.
“He is the most improved player this season. Overall, those are my standout players at the moment, who have been consistent game after game.”
RELATED STORY: Willard Katsande reveals his ultimate coaching goal
