Ex-Orlando Pirates Star Stuns Fans By Naming The Sundowns & Bafana Legend He Copied From Head To Toe

Patrick Maswanganyi Reveals Teko Modise Was His Childhood Idol: ‘I Always Wanted To Be Like Him’

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has opened up about the football legend who inspired his journey, revealing that former Bafana Bafana international Teko Modise was the player he admired most while growing up.

Maswanganyi, who has established himself as one of South Africa’s exciting attacking midfielders, says his admiration for Modise went far beyond his performances on the football pitch. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates star also influenced his fashion sense, personality and overall approach to the game.

Speaking during an interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Maswanganyi explained how watching Modise during his formative years helped shape his football ambitions.

According to the 28-year-old, Modise was someone he naturally identified with whenever he watched him play. His technical ability, creativity and confidence on the ball made a lasting impression.

“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,” Maswanganyi revealed.

Interestingly, the influence was not limited to football.

The midfielder also admitted that Modise’s appearance inspired some of his personal fashion choices, particularly his hairstyle. He explained that seeing the former Bafana Bafana star wearing dreadlocks encouraged him to experiment with braids.

This revelation highlights just how deeply Modise influenced the young footballer’s childhood and personal development.

Maswanganyi further revealed that meeting Modise was something he had always wanted to experience after years of looking up to him.

The former Pirates star expressed admiration for Modise’s personality, dressing style and communication, describing him as someone he continues to respect.

“I’ve always wanted to meet him, and I’ve met him. I really like his style of play and obviously how he dresses and how he talks. He’s just an amazing person that I will always look up to,” he added.

Maswanganyi has since embarked on a new chapter in his professional career after joining Bahraini outfit Al Khaldiya SC.

The 28-year-old is looking to make his mark outside South Africa after an eventful spell with Orlando Pirates, where his creativity and entertaining style attracted considerable attention.

Meanwhile, Modise remains one of the most recognisable figures in South African football, having enjoyed memorable spells with several major clubs, including Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maswanganyi’s admission offers a fascinating glimpse into the inspiration behind his football identity, showing how one generation of South African stars continues to influence the next.

Source https://x.com/i/status/2120941801452269852

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