Celebrating Teko Modise’s 39th Birthday with 10 Facts About the Soccer Superstar

Teko Tsholofelo Modise is a legend in South African soccer circles. To honour his 39th birthday, Briefly News brings you 10 facts about the former Mamelodi Sundowns superstar.

Modise has played for numerous top-flight clubs over the years, including Orlando Pirates and Supersport United.

1. Teko Modise's nickname is 'The General'

Modise was given the nickname while playing for Orlando Pirates. His style of dictating the play from the midfield and ability to direct the game led to him receiving the nickname.

2. Modise once lived on the streets

At the age of eight, Modise was kicked out of his home by his father. He was forced to live on the streets for a few months.

He recently spoke of his experience sleeping in a hole in the ground and scavenging for food in bins during a podcast, as reported by Times Live

3. Teko played more than 50 games in his career

Modise represented the country over 50 times during 2007 and 2012, scoring 10 goals. He represented Bafana Bafana in the African Cup of Nations, FIFA Confederations Cup and a FIFA World Cup as well.

4. Modise has called many big football clubs home

Teko may have started out at now-defunct Ria Stars, but that was just the beginning of his long career.

He's also played for City Pillars, Supersport United, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

5. Teko Modise has an impressive awards collection

During his stellar career, Modise won numerous titles, including three PSL titles, two MTN 8 trophies, a CAF Champions League title and a Telkom Knockout Cup. He was also twice named the Premier Soccer League's Footballer of the Year.

6. Modise is a serious petrol-head and loves cars

There's no doubt about it - Teko loves his cars. His Instagram page frequently contains posts of fancy cars which he's owned or driven.

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7. Teko returns to Mamelodi Sundowns

Modise was recently appointed as a Brand Ambassador for his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, as reported by Kick Off.

He spent six years at Masandawana and described the appointment as 'returning home.'

8. Modise shares his knowledge with viewers

Modise's playing career may be over but he still shares his insights and knowledge with fans as an analyst for Supersport.

9. Teko is going to be a father again

Teko and his wife, Koketso Chipane, recently announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple were married in October this year but had a traditional wedding back in 2018. Modise already has a daughter from his first marriage.

10. Teko Modise recently released his memoirs

The Curse of Teko Modise was released earlier this year and details his life, loves and playing career. The book also covers his claims that members used muthi while playing for Orlando Pirates.

To mark his birthday, Mamelodi Sundowns also posted a special tribute to the player on their Twitter account.

Teko Modise: Legend spills the beans on meagre salary and using muthi at Orlando Pirates

From talking about his achievements to talking about Premier Soccer League clubs that use muthi, retired midfielder Teko Modise spilt the beans in Podcast and Chill with MacG, leading South African publisher, Briefly News reported.

The former Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City midfielder is trending on social media channels for a number of topics he touched on in the interview.

Modise is one of the finest players ever unleashed in South Africa and 'The General’ delivered a juicy interview with Mzansi’s podcaster via YouTube.