Former Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi has opened up about how club legend Teko Modise shaped his football journey, admitting that the midfield maestro influenced not only his style of play on the pitch, but also his personal identity and lifestyle off it.
Maswanganyi recently joined Al Khaldiya SC, a Bahraini side based in Northern Riffa. The 28-year-old has already hit the ground running as he has featured in four matches for his new club.
In an interview with the South African Football Journalists’ Association [SAFJA] on Monday, Maswanganyi said he deeply admires the former Bafana Bafana midfielder, admitting he spent his formative years trying to emulate Modise’s flair, hairstyle, and swagger.
Maswanganyi explained that watching Modise in his prime sparked an instant connection, inspiring him to model both his game and his image around the ex-midfield maestro.
‘HE’S SOMEONE I’VE ALWAYS SEEN MYSELF IN’: PATRICK MASWANGANYI HAILS ‘ROLE MODEL’ TEKO MODISE
Maswanganyi stated how Modise’s influence as his idol helped shape his own football development.
“Teko Modise is my idol. I would say this because when I used to watch him play, I liked him. I could obviously see myself playing like him. I have always tried to copy his style, you know,” Maswanganyi said.
The inspiration even extended to his signature look. “I also did braids because he had them, like dreadlocks, so I tried to do my braids.
“I never told anyone this, but I saw him with dreadlocks, and I thought, ‘I don’t like dreadlocks, so I should do braids’.”
PATRICK MASWANGANYI DESCRIBES TEKO MODISE AS HIS ROLE MODEL IN FOOTBALL AND LIFE
For Maswanganyi, the ex-Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns star’s influence goes beyond tactical awareness and technical ability.
The attacking midfielder highlighted how Modise’s off-field persona and elegance left a lasting impression on him.
“He is someone I have always seen myself in, and I always wanted to meet him. I have met him, and I really like his style of play. Obviously, I admire how he dresses and how he talks, you know. He is just an amazing person that I will always look up to, and, yeah, that’s all,” he added.
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