Teko Modise names perfect role model for SA youngsters to emulate
Retired Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Teko Modise has identified the perfect role model for SA youngsters to emulate in their pursuit of footballing greatness.
In the 2023/24 season, many youngsters rose to the occasion and performed very well for their respective teams in the PSL.
This includes starlets like Shandre Campbell, Relebohile Mofokeng, Puso Dithejane, Luke Baartman, Luyolo Slatsha, Mduduzi Shabalala, Ime Okon, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Siyabonga Mabena.
As a result of their great efforts on the field of play, budding stars such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell and Ime Okon have been nominated for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award.
Modise is a well-travelled former footballer who played for top DStv Premiership teams like Pirates, Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Cape Town City FC. The 41-year-old has experienced everything in football, from fame to criticism to winning trophies.
The former Bafana Bafana star has singled out Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng as a perfect example for SA youngsters to emulate on and off the pitch.
TEKO MODISE SAY SA YOUNGSTERS SHOULD EMULATE RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
The 19-year-old impressed after his breakthrough to the Bucs senior team in the 2022/23 campaign. In the 2023/24 season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions, scored five goals, and grabbed six assists. His highlight of the season may have been scoring the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns.
For his consistent performances, Mofokeng received his senior national team call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The talented attacker made his Bafana Bafana debut against Zimbabwe as a substitute.
“[To SA youngsters] Rele should be your example, nobody else,” said Modise. If you look at Mofokeng, what he’s doing for Pirates, and how quiet the boy is, that should be your motivation.
“The limelight in SA always shortens the careers of SA players. We get to be known quickly because we’re televised, and friends and family are coming to watch us. So, we don’t have the drive anymore to be in the PSL.
“As a [young] footballer, that’s why I’m saying look at Rele. If we have to be honest about this, he’s the perfect example. I even follow the guy on Instagram. He’s still young, but he’s not all over the place.
“Look at him on the pitch; he does what he’s supposed to do. If you want to be famous, do those things that you want to be famous for. But if you want to be a good footballer, you want to be recognised; Rele should be your example.”
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