Teko Modise’s rise from a difficult upbringing to become one of South Africa’s greatest footballers is an inspiration to many. His performances on the pitch, especially during his time with SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates, will always be remembered by South African football fans. Modise’s off-field activities also show his commitment to giving back to the community, and his legacy as a footballer and philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations.
Early Life and Career
Teko Modise was born on December 22, 1982, in Soweto, South Africa. He grew up in poverty and football was his escape from his difficult upbringing. Modise began his career as a footballer with Ria Stars in 2002, a team in the National First Division, the second tier of South African football. He quickly caught the eye of top-tier teams and in 2003, he joined SuperSport United, a team based in Pretoria.
Rise to Prominence at SuperSport United
Modise quickly established himself as one of the key players in the SuperSport United team. He won three consecutive Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles with the club between 2007 and 2009. During his time with SuperSport United, Modise won numerous individual awards, including the PSL Player of the Season award in 2007 and 2008, and the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award in 2005 and 2007.
Move to Orlando Pirates
In 2011, Modise joined Orlando Pirates, one of the most successful teams in South African football. He became an instant hit with the fans and helped the team win the Nedbank Cup in his first season. He continued to impress in subsequent seasons and was instrumental in Orlando Pirates’ success in the CAF Champions League in 2013, where they reached the final but lost to Al Ahly.
Teko Modise’s Career with Orlando Pirates: A Detailed Timeline
2006-2007
- Modise joined Orlando Pirates in 2006 after a successful spell with City Pillars.
- He made an instant impact at the club, helping Pirates win the 2006 SAA Supa 8 and the 2006 ABSA Cup.
- In the 2006-2007 season, Modise was instrumental in helping Pirates finish as runners-up in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and reach the final of the CAF Champions League.
2007-2008
- Modise’s performances for Pirates earned him the PSL Footballer of the Season award in 2007-2008.
- He helped Pirates win the 2007 Telkom Knockout Cup and reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
- Modise scored a crucial goal in the 2008 Nedbank Cup final, which Pirates won 1-0 against Bidvest Wits.
2008-2009
- Modise continued to shine for Pirates, helping them win the 2008 MTN8 Cup and reach the final of the Telkom Knockout Cup.
- He was named the PSL Players’ Player of the Season and the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament in 2008-2009.
- Modise was also included in the PSL Team of the Season for the third consecutive year.
2009-2010
- In the 2009-2010 season, Modise helped Pirates win the 2009 Telkom Knockout Cup and reach the final of the Nedbank Cup.
- He was named the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament for the second consecutive year.
- Modise’s performances for Pirates earned him a call-up to the South African national team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
2010-2011
- Modise helped Pirates win the 2010 MTN8 Cup, scoring in the final against Moroka Swallows.
- He also helped Pirates win the 2010-2011 PSL title, their first league championship in eight years.
- Modise was named the PSL Footballer of the Season for the second time in his career and was included in the PSL Team of the Season for the fourth consecutive year.
2011-2016
- Modise continued to be a key player for Pirates over the next few seasons, helping the club win the 2011 Telkom Knockout Cup and reach the final of the 2013 CAF Champions League.
- He also won the 2014 Nedbank Cup with Pirates, scoring in the semi-final against Golden Arrows.
- Modise left Pirates in 2016, having made 172 appearances and scored 29 goals for the club.
Overall, Teko Modise’s career with Orlando Pirates spanned over a decade and included numerous individual awards and team successes. He was a fan favorite and one of the best midfielders in the PSL during his time with the club. Modise’s contributions to Pirates will always be remembered as he helped the team lift several trophies and establish themselves as one of the best clubs in South African football.
Teko Modise’s Career with Mamelodi Sundowns: A Detailed Timeline
2016-2017
- Modise joined Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2016, following his departure from Orlando Pirates.
- He made his debut for the club in August 2016, coming on as a substitute in a league match against Platinum Stars.
- Modise helped Sundowns win the 2016 Telkom Knockout Cup and the 2016 CAF Champions League, playing an important role in the latter competition.
2017-2018
- In the 2017-2018 season, Modise helped Sundowns win the PSL title, their eighth league championship.
- He scored his first goal for the club in a league match against Cape Town City in October 2017.
- Modise also helped Sundowns reach the quarter-finals of the 2018 CAF Champions League.
2018-2019
- Modise’s playing time at Sundowns decreased in the 2018-2019 season, as the club signed several new midfielders.
- He made just 11 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal in a league match against Free State Stars.
2019-2020
- Modise played a limited role for Sundowns in the 2019-2020 season, making just six appearances in all competitions.
- He was part of the squad that won the 2019-2020 PSL title, his second league championship with Sundowns.
2020-2021
- Modise announced his retirement from professional football in August 2020, following a glittering career spanning over 15 years.
- He made his final appearance for Sundowns in August 2020, coming on as a substitute in a league match against Black Leopards.
Overall, Teko Modise’s career with Mamelodi Sundowns was relatively short but highly successful. He helped the club win several major trophies, including the CAF Champions League, and was a valuable member of the team during his time there. Despite playing a lesser role in his final season, Modise’s contributions to Sundowns will always be remembered, and he remains one of the most iconic midfielders in South African football history.
National Team Career
Modise made his debut for the South African national team in 2007, and quickly established himself as one of the key players in the squad. He played a vital role in South Africa’s qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was included in the squad for the tournament. Although he did not score any goals in the tournament, he played an important role in South Africa’s midfield.
Teko Modise’s Career with South African National Football Team: A Detailed Timeline
2007
- Modise made his debut for the South African national team on June 2, 2007, in a friendly match against Malawi.
2008
- He was a key player in the South African team that won the 2008 COSAFA Cup, scoring two goals in the tournament.
2009
- Modise played a vital role in South Africa’s qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, helping the team finish top of their group in the African qualifiers.
2010
- Modise was included in the South African squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was held in South Africa.
- He played in all three of South Africa’s group matches but was unable to help the team progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
2013
- Modise was named in the South African squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
- He played in all four of South Africa’s matches in the tournament, scoring one goal in a 2-2 draw with Morocco.
2014
- Modise played in all three of South Africa’s group matches in the 2014 African Nations Championship.
- He announced his retirement from international football on September 4, 2014, after making 66 appearances and scoring 10 goals for South Africa.
Overall, Teko Modise’s career with the South African national football team spanned over seven years and included participation in major tournaments like the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. He was a key player in the midfield and contributed to the team’s success in numerous matches. Modise’s performances for the national team further cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers in South African history.
Retirement
Modise retired from professional football in July 2019, at the age of 36. He ended his career at Cape Town City, where he spent the final two seasons of his playing career. Modise was widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in South African football history, and his retirement was met with tributes from fans, fellow players, and coaches.
Off-Field Activities
Since his retirement from professional football, Modise has been involved in various off-field activities. He has worked as a television pundit, providing analysis and commentary on football matches. Modise has also been involved in various charity initiatives, including the Teko Modise Foundation, which focuses on empowering underprivileged children in South Africa through education and sport.
