Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Teko Modise has offered high praise for academy graduate Siyabonga Mabena, predicting a breakthrough season for the young forward.
Modise’s comments come after Mabena, an 18-year-old product of the SAFA School of Excellence, delivered an impressive performance by scoring in Sundowns’ dominant 4-0 MTN8 quarterfinal victory over Richards Bay FC.
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Mabena, who made his senior debut during the 2022/23 season, has had a slow start to his professional career due to a significant injury. Modise believes this setback is now behind him and that the club’s patient approach will pay dividends.
“He had an injury, you know, a career-threatening injury that he had to sit out for a whole season, as young as he is,” Modise explained. “When he was back, he was fully fit to play.
He wasn’t rushed to come back because Mamelodi Sundowns weren’t in a desperate position to get maximum results or to use him without making sure that he’s properly fit.”
Modise noted the club’s meticulous care, pointing out that Mabena even trained separately at times during the recent FIFA Club World Cup in America to ensure he was fully ready.
This cautious and planned reintroduction has led Modise to believe Mabena is a central part of coach Miguel Cardoso’s vision.
“He is in the coach’s plans, and it will be lovely to see him play,” Modise added.
Mabena’s promising return has ignited hope among Sundowns supporters that he will finally reach his full potential this season.
The young star, along with his teammates, will be expected to contribute to the club’s title defense, starting with their opening Betway Premiership match against Chippa United in Gqeberha.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, with kick-off at 3:00 PM. The match holds an interesting subplot as the Sundowns players will be facing their former reserve team coach, Sinethemba Badela, who now manages Chippa United.