Maswanganyi Reveals Why He Wanted To Play And Dress Like Teko Modise

Former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has opened up about the significant influence former Bafana Bafana star Teko Modise had on his football career, revealing that his childhood admiration extended beyond the football pitch to his hairstyle, fashion sense and personality.

The 28-year-old midfielder described Modise as his biggest football idol, admitting that he grew up watching the former midfielder and trying to imitate his playing style. According to Maswanganyi, Modise’s performances inspired him to believe that he could become a similar type of footballer.

Speaking during an interview with the South African Football Journalists’ Association (SAFJA) on Monday, Maswanganyi explained how his admiration for Modise developed and why the former Bafana Bafana international remains someone he continues to look up to.

The former Pirates star revealed that he particularly admired Modise’s creativity, confidence and ability to express himself on the field. He regularly attempted to copy the midfielder’s approach to the game as he developed his own footballing identity.

Interestingly, Maswanganyi disclosed that Modise also influenced his appearance away from football. He revealed that when he noticed Modise wearing dreadlocks, he wanted a similar hairstyle. However, because he did not particularly like dreadlocks, he opted for braids instead.

Maswanganyi admitted that this was something he had never previously shared, offering a glimpse into just how much Modise influenced him during his younger years.

Beyond football and hairstyles, the 28-year-old also admired Modise’s fashion sense, communication skills and personality. He eventually got the opportunity to meet his childhood idol and was impressed by the person he had admired for so many years.

Modise enjoyed an outstanding career representing clubs such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, while also becoming an influential figure for Bafana Bafana.

Meanwhile, Maswanganyi has begun a new chapter after joining Bahraini club Al Khaldiya SC, where he has already made four appearances. He will now be hoping to establish himself in Bahrain and build his own legacy, following in the footsteps of the footballing figures who inspired him.

https://farpost.co.za/2026/11/11/patrick-maswanganyi-opens-up-on-modises-influence-on-his-career/

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