Teko leaves a rich legacy
Legend’s former teammates, coaches pay tribute
SAMEER NAIK
ONE of South Africa’s most popular footballers shocked the community last week when he hung up his boots after an illustrious career spanning more than 13 years.
Teko Modise, affectionately known as “The General”, represented Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United.
The midfielder has won every trophy on offer in the local game, including the Premier League on two occasions during his six-year stint at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 36-year-old also made 66 appearances for Bafana Bafana, scoring 10 goals.
This week, Modise’s former teammates and coaches paid tribute.
Pitso Mosimane, Mamelodi Sundowns manager
Teko was a happy player. He enjoyed his game very much. He was happy to be playing, happy to be training, always wanting to show what he could do. Sometimes we have players who have a real connection with the game, and Teko was one of those. Just before a game, he would be the first player to go kick the ball. He loved the ball. When he was happy you got the best out of him, and when he wasn’t, you could see it immediately.
Aaron Mokoena, former Bafana Bafana, Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers defender
Teko was a player who always wanted to take advice, who was eager to grow. When it comes to talent there was no doubt that Teko had it all. He could do anything with the ball. He also took unbelievable free kicks.
I felt Teko could have played for one or two more seasons; he still had some gas left in the tank. He is a funny guy who loves to make jokes. I’ve never seen him angry. He’s been a team player since day one. I loved having him as part of the national set-up. He created a different environment, a happy dressing room.
Benni Mccarthy, Cape Town City manager and former Porto,
JOZI WALKS – JOHANNESBURG LITERARY DISTRICT
GET active and enjoy the natural beauty and history of Johannesburg this weekend.
The Jozi Walks event will take place today and tomorrow in the city’s literary district.
This is between Fox and Albertina Sisulu Streets in the inner city.
During the walk, there will be a tour guide who will explain the intricate details of this part of Johannesburg.
For more information, visit their Facebook or Twitter pages. Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Orlando Pirates striker
It’s been a pleasure working with Teko over the past two seasons. He’s a true professional and was very disciplined,
TITANIC MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT
WHO shot the ship’s officer?
It’s up to you to find out at the Titanic Murder Mystery
Night which will be held tonight at the Weltevredenpark Methodist Church in Roodepoort.
The event promises to be a night of intrigue.
Apart from the fun-filled festivities of the night, the proceeds will go towards a charitable cause which is the Kairos Outside West Rand Fundraiser.
Tickets cost R200 per person andwill include dinner. dedicated and hard-working after all those years in the game. He brought professionalism and good habits to the team. He was also a good mentor for the youth.
The best thing about him was that he found it so easy on the pitch and he made the difficult things look simple. The best attribute he had as a footballer was his intelligent selection of passes and being able to read the game extremely well. He supplied me with a lot of passes that helped me score goals for Bafana Bafana.
Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bafana Bafana and Büyükehir Belediye Erzurumspor midfielder
We first played together at amateur level in the late ’90s when Teko was recruited to play for us in the quarter-finals at Mando’s tournament in Phiri. I was not convinced. I didn’t understand why they would recruit someone to help us when I was there, but after seeing his talent I changed my mind. Together we went on to play at the Godfrey Moloi Goodwill Games and still he showed class.
We later became opponents in the National First Division, and then we became the biggest of rivals in the Soweto Derby.
My greatest highlight, however, is when we played together in the national team. We were teammates but I was also a huge fan of Teko’s football and the person he is. He will always be one of my favourite players.
Lucky Lekgwathi, former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender
Teko has been nothing but a great inspiration to many. He is down to earth and always showed good sportsmanship on and off the field. His longrange shooting ability was amazing and he could pick out passes unlike any footballer I have seen. He will go down as a legend and an ambassador for the game. I’m grateful to have been given an opportunity to play with and against him. It’s sad that his journey as a footballer has come to an end but his legacy will live on.
THE LINDEN MARKET
ENJOY the autumn sunshine this weekend at the Linden
Market.
The curated lifestyle market will be held at the Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia today from 9am. The market will end at 4pm.
The autumn edition of the market will offer attendees a selection of South Africa’s top makers, designers and artisans.
This will include 150 creative and talented local vendors offering everything from handmade kids toys and jewellery, to plants and proudly South African decor.