MASINDI
“JOHN WICK”
NEMTAJELA.

01 / THE JOHN WICK STORY

Before Pirates, there was Tshepisong

Back in 2022, Masindi “John Wick” Nemtajela was playing at the Tshepisong Community Games. Orlando Pirates was still a few years away, but the personality in his football was already there.

Diski Domain was filming that day.

In our footage, you'll find John Wick sharing the pitch with Karabo “Shakes” Mkhabela, showing off his touch on the ball and scoring a header for Tricky Boys. There's the cheeky moment where he stands on the football, too — the sort of skill that makes people stop and watch.

Three years later, Pirates signed him from Marumo Gallants. Watching the old footage now, you get a different picture of the player in the famous black-and-white shirt: not just the midfielder you see in professional matches, but the guy who was enjoying himself at a community tournament in Tshepisong.

Filmed by Diski Domain at the 2022 Tshepisong Community Games. Open the full watch page ↗

02 / THE JOHN WICK STORY

The football didn't start at Gallants

Tshepisong was one stop on a much bigger journey. Nemtajela came through amateur football and tournaments, including the Mahlobo Games and Philly Games, before the professional clubs came calling.

One of the people who knew him in those years was coach Vincent “Ginola” Mashele. Speaking to iDiski Times in July 2025, Mashele recalled working with Nemtajela at River Park and later Senaoane Gunners in the ABC Motsepe League. He remembered a footballer who could do a job defensively and still contribute going forward.

That versatility would matter later. But the route itself matters too: community tournaments, amateur clubs and the work of coaches who help players develop before the country knows their names.

03 / THE JOHN WICK STORY

Gallants opened the professional door

Marumo Gallants gave Nemtajela his first professional contract. He went from the second tier into the Premiership, where his performances began turning heads.

It wasn't just about tricks anymore. He was establishing himself as a midfielder who could carry the ball, cover ground and work in different roles. By May 2025, he was attracting serious attention, and on 26 June 2025, Orlando Pirates made his signing official.

Imagine watching someone at a kasi tournament and, a few seasons later, seeing that same player announced by Pirates. It's exactly why those early games are worth remembering.

04 / THE JOHN WICK STORY

John Wick at Pirates

The move to Orlando Pirates came with a bigger stage and bigger expectations. Nemtajela brought the confidence to take possession and move the ball forward, but he also had to show he could fit into the demands of the professional game.

He began making his mark in the team, and in November 2025 he received a Bafana Bafana squad call-up for the friendly against Zambia.

By the 2026/27 season he was wearing Pirates' number 15. The journey had taken him from community pitches to one of South Africa's biggest clubs — and into the national-team conversation.

05 / THE JOHN WICK STORY

Go watch John Wick

The professional career is one part of the story. The Tshepisong clips are another.

Start with him playing alongside Shakes. Watch him stand on the ball. Then find the Tricky Boys header — proof that there was more to his game that day than showing off.

That player is now Masindi Nemtajela of Orlando Pirates. We've still got the footage from Tshepisong.