Former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has revealed the significant influence Teko Modise had on his football career, explaining how the former Bafana Bafana star inspired him both on the pitch and in his personal life.

Maswanganyi has described Modise as his football idol, admitting that he spent his younger years trying to imitate the former midfielder's playing style, appearance and personality. The 28-year-old explained that watching Modise perform during his playing days made him believe that he could become a similar type of footballer.

The former Pirates star has recently started a new chapter in his career after joining Al Khaldiya SC, a club based in Northern Riffa, Bahrain. He has already featured in four matches for his new team as he looks to settle into his new surroundings and make a positive impression.

Speaking in an interview with the South African Football Journalists’ Association (SAFJA) on Monday, Maswanganyi opened up about his admiration for Modise and explained how the former Bafana Bafana international influenced his development as a young player.

Maswanganyi said he enjoyed watching Modise play and could see himself developing into a footballer with similar qualities. He admired the way the former midfielder controlled the ball, expressed himself during matches and brought his personality into his performances.

He admitted that he always tried to copy Modise's style because he considered him someone worth following.

However, the influence was not limited to football. Maswanganyi also revealed that Modise played a role in his choice of hairstyle when he was younger.

The attacking midfielder explained that he noticed Modise wearing dreadlocks and wanted to have a similar appearance. However, he did not particularly like dreadlocks, so he decided to wear braids instead.

Maswanganyi admitted that he had never previously shared this personal detail, making it an interesting revelation about the extent of his admiration for the former midfielder.

The 28-year-old also spoke about Modise's lifestyle away from football, explaining that he admired the way the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star dressed, communicated and presented himself.

According to Maswanganyi, Modise was someone he could identify with, and he always hoped to meet him one day. He has since had that opportunity and remains impressed by the former midfielder.

Modise enjoyed a successful career in South African football, representing several clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. He also became an important player for Bafana Bafana, earning recognition for his creativity, technical ability and contribution in midfield.

His performances and personality made him one of the most recognisable figures in South African football, particularly during his successful years with the Buccaneers and Masandawana.

For Maswanganyi, however, Modise represents more than just a former football star. He was a role model whose influence extended into different aspects of his life and helped shape the footballer he wanted to become.

The former Pirates playmaker will now be looking to establish himself at Al Khaldiya SC and continue developing his career abroad. While he works towards achieving his own ambitions, his latest comments have offered an insight into the influence one of South African football's celebrated midfielders had on his journey.

Source: FARPost