Patrick Maswanganyi reveals Teko Modise was his football idol

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has named Teko Modise as the player he admired most while growing up.

Maswanganyi, 28, said he had long identified with Modise’s footballing ability, appearance and personality during a conversation with the South African Football Journalist Association.

The midfielder left Pirates before the current season to join Bahraini club Al Khaldiya. He said his decision was influenced by social media criticism aimed at both him and his family.

Affectionately known as ‘Tito’, Maswanganyi was asked to identify the footballer who had inspired him most. His answer was immediate.

“Teko Modise,” he said.

“When I used to watch him, I would obviously see myself playing like him.

“I’ve always tried to copy his style and also when I did braids because he had dreadlocks. I tried to do my braids because I never told anyone this, but I saw he had dreadlocks and I thought I don’t like dreadlocks, so I should do braids.

“It’s someone that I’ve always seen myself in. I’ve always wanted to meet him and I’ve met him.

“I’ve always liked his style of play and how he dresses, how he talks. He’s just an amusing person that I’ve always looked up to.”

Modise represented both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns during his career, winning three trophies with the Buccaneers.

He added six more honours after joining Sundowns, including two Premier Soccer League titles and the CAF Champions League.