Orlando Pirates midfielder honoured: Former club retires his jersey

While the domestic season takes a back seat for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Orlando Pirates’ midfield engine Masindi Nemtajela has used the break to return to his roots, where he was met with the ultimate tribute.

In a weekend filled with nostalgia and celebration, Nemtajela’s former club, Piano FC, officially retired his iconic number 15 jersey. The gesture serves as a permanent reminder of the 24-year-old’s rapid ascent from the dusty pitches of Ga-Dikgale, Limpopo, to the bright lights of the Betway Premiership and the national team.

A Meteoric Rise to the Top By Orlando Pirates Star

Nemtajela’s professional trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Having made his top-flight debut only two seasons ago under Abdeslam Ouaddou at Marumo Gallants, the dynamic attacker-turned-midfielder quickly became one of the league’s most talked-about talents.

His standout performances earned him a marquee move to the Buccaneers at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. Since arriving at Mayfair, he has seamlessly integrated into the Pirates starting XI, becoming an indispensable asset in their pursuit of silverware. His domestic form did not go unnoticed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who handed the midfielder his senior international debut and a spot in the AFCON preliminary squad earlier this year.

Honouring “John Wick” In Ga-Dikgale

The celebration, held on Sunday, December 21, was a star-studded affair for the Polokwane community. Joining the festivities was Mamelodi Sundowns legend Daniel “Mambush” Mudau, who stood alongside local fans to witness a stirring guard of honour for the man affectionately known as “KG” or “John Wick.”

For Piano FC, the decision to retire Nemtajela’s jersey was about more than just footballing stats—it was about providing a blueprint for the next generation.

“Masindi Nemtajela is an inspiration to all of us. He has achieved things that many people fail to,” Piano FC media officer Rice Vincent Mashangoane told FARPost. “We decided to hang the jersey number 15 he used to wear as a way of appreciation from management and to wish him all the best at the professional level.”

Full Circle

Nemtajela’s journey to the elite league was forged in high-stakes amateur tournaments across Limpopo before he transitioned to the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Gallants. By retiring his number, Piano FC has ensured that while Nemtajela continues to conquer the national stage, his legacy at the grassroots level remains untouched.

As Pirates prepare for the second half of the season, they do so with a midfielder who clearly hasn’t forgotten where his journey began.