Former Orlando Pirates star Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has opened up about the footballer who inspired his childhood dreams.

The talented midfielder named South African football icon Teko Modise as his biggest childhood inspiration.

Maswanganyi made the revelation during an interview with SAFJA, reflecting on the player he admired growing up.

Interestingly, both footballers share a connection with Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.

Modise established himself as one of South Africa’s finest midfielders during his successful career. He enjoyed memorable spells with SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

He also represented Bafana Bafana between 2007 and 2011, scoring 10 goals in 66 appearances.

Maswanganyi reveals why Teko Modise inspired him

Maswanganyi explained that watching Modise influenced how he wanted to play football.

He admired the former midfielder’s creativity and attempted to replicate his distinctive playing style.

“Teko Modise. I would say because when I used to watch him, I would always see myself playing like him. I’ve always tried to copy his style,” said Maswanganyi.

However, his admiration extended beyond football.

The former Pirates attacker also revealed how Modise’s hairstyle influenced his personal fashion choices.

“I never told anyone this, but I saw he did dreadlocks and I thought I don’t like dreadlocks, so I should do braids,” he revealed.

Pirates star finally meets his childhood idol

Despite admiring Modise for years, Maswanganyi eventually got the opportunity to meet him.

He described the former Bafana Bafana star as someone he continues to admire.

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

Interestingly, Maswanganyi followed a similar career path to his childhood hero.

He represented both SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates before moving abroad.

He subsequently joined Bahrain Premier League outfit Al Khaldiya SC, beginning a new chapter overseas.