nastupati

1. (on stage, in a contest) to perform; to compete
   Bend nastupa večeras u Domu omladine. — The band is performing tonight at the Youth Center.
   Ona godinama nastupa za reprezentaciju. — She has played for the national team for years.
2. (of a period, event) to begin; to set in
   Posle praznika obično nastupa period mira. — After the holidays a quiet period usually sets in.
3. (with an adverb) to behave; to come across
   On uvek nastupa previše samouvereno. — He always comes across as too self-confident.

The perfective is nastupiti; "to play for a team" is nastupati za + acc.