Michael Morton admits that while he has never been the most naturally gifted player in the PSL, he offers so much more to his team, coach and teammates.
The 35-year-old former Orlando Pirates graduate has played close to 300 South African top-flight games for Maritzburg United, SuperSport United, AmaZulu, Bidwest Wits and now Cape Town Spurs.
He has played 15 times in the current DStv Premiership campaign for a Spurs side fighting for their league survival and has displayed the kind of never-say-die attitude the club needs if they are to avoid being relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Spurs are currently enjoying some respite from a taxing campaign due to the international break and speaking to FARPost, Morton explained why he felt he has earned the respect of his peers.
He said: “I’m the first to admit that I was not the most gifted footballer, I had my strengths and things that I did very well.
“But the one thing that people appreciated the most [about me] was the work ethic and the leadership ability. You can’t lead a group of men if you don’t show the example, be the example and do the right things.
“So, with the abilities that I had, I had to make sure that I ticked everything on the box. Some guys have a lot more talent and can get can away with a lot more.
“When you have a skill set that I have, then you have to add a lot of work ethic to that as well so that you can compete at the top level.”
Spurs are next in action against Moroka Swallows on Sunday, March 31.