Teko Modise, the former midfield maestro for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, has shared an impassioned message with his old club.
Following their stellar showing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Modise believes the Brazilians are perfectly poised to harness their growing global profile and propel themselves to even greater success on the world stage.
Sundowns’ showing on the global stage was nothing short of remarkable, turning heads with their confident and distinctly Bafana Ba Style brand of football.
They secured a commendable draw against Brazilian champions Fluminense, showcased their attacking prowess in a thrilling 4-3 narrow defeat to European powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, and kicked it off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
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These results not only demonstrated their competitive spirit but also solidified their burgeoning reputation beyond the African continent.
Modise, a CAF Champions League winner with Sundowns in 2016, lauded the team’s composure and unwavering mentality throughout the prestigious tournament. Speaking on the Pitchside Podcast, he emphasized the significance of their presence at such an elite competition. “This is where we belong,” Modise stated passionately. “We need to come back here, but there’s still a lot of work to be done – not just by the players, but by everyone involved. I’m incredibly proud.”
He further elaborated on the team’s distinctive approach, highlighting their adherence to their established playing style. “We played our way. There was no panic, no stress – just pure Sundowns football. That’s the standard we need to maintain.” This commitment to their identity, even against formidable international opponents, clearly resonated with Modise.
Domestically, Mamelodi Sundowns continues to reign supreme, having recently secured their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, a testament to their unparalleled dominance in South African football. Now, Modise hopes that the invaluable experience gained from the Club World Cup will serve as a powerful catalyst for even greater achievements, both on and off the pitch.
“My hope is that this journey motivates every member of the team,” Modise concluded, looking towards the future. “If we learn from it and come back stronger, the sky’s the limit.”
His message is clear: the Club World Cup was not just a participation, but a crucial stepping stone for Sundowns to further cement their place among the global football elite.