ALEX BAPELA
Bapela is a Sundowns legend who played for the club during their three consecutive Premiership title wins from 1998–2000, among many other accolades. He wore the No.8 jersey with distinction and is fondly remembered by fans. He retired at Sundowns aged 33 after the 2002/03 season, and was later assistant coach under Pitso Mosimane.

LERATO CHABANGU
Playmaker Chabangu took over the No.8 in the 2005/06 season having arrived in the second half of the campaign from University of Pretoria. He had a tumultuous time with Sundowns, winning back-to-back league titles and scoring the winning goal in the 2008 Nedbank Cup final, but also battling with off-field issues that saw him in and out of the team. He had a half-season loan at SuperSport United, where he won the league again, but was released by Sundowns in July 2010. He would later revive his career at Moroka Swallows under Gordon Igesund, who had also coached him at The Brazilians.

HILTON JORDAAN
When Bapela retired the unlikely figure of Hilton Jordaan took over the No.8 jersey following his arrival from Jomo Cosmos in the 2003/04 season. He flitted between defence and the defensive midfield position, so it kind of made sense for him to take on the No.8. He made 16 appearances in his 18 months with the first team, and left mid-way through 2004/05 for Bush Bucks, a move he later described as “the worst decision of my life”.

TEKO MODISE
Modise took over the jersey number upon his arrival from Orlando Pirates, though it would only be for the 2010/11 campaign before he switched to the No.10, which he would wear for the next six years. Papi Zothwane was wearing 10 in Modise’s first season at Chloorkop, but the Bafana Bafana star grabbed it as soon as it became available.

BONGANI ZUNGU
The midfielder took over the number from Kekana but never enjoyed anywhere near his success. He was in and out of the team in his two seasons at Chloorkop before leaving for AmaZulu in 2024.

HLOMPHO KEKANA
Stalwart Kekana had worn the No.28 at SuperSport United and No.5 during his single season with Bloemfontein Celtic but settled into the No.8 released by Modise as soon as he arrived. He would hold onto that number for the next 11 seasons, before vacating it when it was announced he had mutually parted ways with the club in 2021. He is truly a legend of the team, having captained the side through the most successful period in their history. He won eight Premiership titles, six of them with Sundowns, and along with Brazilians goalkeeper Denis Onyango is the most decorated in that regard.

ERWIN SAAVEDRA
The Bolivian was back at Sundowns in 2024/25 following a loan spell away but again failed to find a way into the first team. His 2021 move was nothing short of a disaster.

JAYDEN ADAMS
The young midfielder arrived from Stellenbosch in 2024 and is now the owner of the number eight jersey, though he is also finding gametime hard to come by in the starstudded midfield. But he is certainly a player who can go on and become a club legend.

The post Mamelodi Sundowns: Great Eight appeared first on SportsClub.

GODFREY SAPULA

The Soweto-born former Bafana Bafana midfielder arrived at Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in 2002, having also previously played in Turkey and Chile, and would spend six seasons with the club. He eventually left in 2008 for Platinum Stars, having scored 24 goals in 136 starts.

THANDO MNGOMENI

Mngomeni, the younger brother of former Orlando Pirates stalwart Thabo, spent just a single season at Sundowns in what was ultimately a career that never reached the heights many expected given his potential. He had come through the ranks at Cape Town club Santos and took over the No.10 at Sundowns when he joined for the 2008/09 campaign as Sapula departed for Dikwena. He made 15 starts in all competitions in his single campaign, without scoring a goal.

PAPI ZOTHWANE

Zothwane arrived from Lamontville Golden Arrows in the 2009/10 season having been earmarked as a midfielder for Bafana Bafana at the 2010 World Cup, though his challenge for that position faded. He was at the club for three years, though the final six months were spent on loan at Bloemfontein Celtic, before he retired at the age of 31 as his career rather fizzled out. He took over the No.10 jersey from Mngomeni, but battled to earn a starting place, managing only 20 over that time.

TEKO MODISE

With Zothwane not registered for 2011/12, Modise took over the No.10 having initially been wearing 8 in his first campaign at the club following his switch from Orlando Pirates, which was a huge deal at the time. Modise, who was a late bloomer in the PSL, was already 28 when he joined, but would spend the next seven seasons as a key part of the club before his influence waned towards the end and he left for Cape Town City in 2017/18. Modise scored 31 goals in 155 starts (and 47 sub appearances) for Sundowns and was part of the side that lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016.

GASTON SIRINO

The No.10 jersey was vacant through the 2017/18 season with Uruguayan Sirino taking 26 when he first arrived at the club midway through the campaign. He kept that number for his first 18 months, before eventually taking 10 for the 2019/20 season. In all he made 159 starts (and 48 sub appearances) for The Brazilians, scoring 44 goals, before jumping ship to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2024/25 season.

LUCAS RIBEIRO

Ribeiro was initially No.23 when he arrived at the club in 2023 but took on 10 when Sirino vacated it. He has worn the number with aplomb, and been arguably the club’s best player, leading to plenty of interest from overseas clubs.

The post Mamelodi Sundowns: Perfect 10s appeared first on SportsClub.

Teko Modise immediately highlights that the FIFA Club World Cup will be a game-changer, stressing that facing many different types of opponents will strongly push Mamelodi Sundowns to grow and improve.

“Playing against all those different teams with different philosophies will definitely challenge Mamelodi Sundowns to elevate not just their game but their approach as well. They’ll have to learn to deal with new challenges that maybe they’ve never faced before, the speed of Dortmund, the possessional emphasis of Fluminense since Sundowns are used to being the dominant ones when it comes to possession.”

“This shows that the team needs to change their tactics, especially since they usually control the ball with their famous “Shoe Shine & Piano” style, Modise believes.

The tournament puts Mamelodi Sundowns in what many call the “Group of Death,” along with German giants Borussia Dortmund and South American champions Fluminense.

This tough draw is a big chance for the team.

Modise’s comments about facing “new challenges” and needing to “unlearn bad habits” mean that the tournament is valuable for more than just winning games. “The experience itself will teach them a lot, making the team and individual players better at their game and how they play. Seeing difficulties as valuable lessons helps manage expectations while also showing the club’s goal to grow and adapt at the highest levels of football.”

Modise also believes that Sundowns players will grow personally from their experience at the Club World Cup. He believes playing against strong, unfamiliar opponents makes players improve their skills. “The fact that you’ll be facing opponents that you wouldn’t normally do makes the challenges more interesting. For individual players it’s all about learning and improving your game.”

Going deeper, Modise talks about the mental and tactical changes needed in a tournament of this magnitude. “Such high profile opposition forces one to unlearn bad habits that you mostly get away with because of the regular opponents you face. It triggers your mental and physical challenges you definitely going to face. It is only then that you find solutions for whatever issues you may face as a team or individual. This means they need to be flexible, strong, and able to find answers under a lot of pressure.”

Even though they need to adapt, Modise adds that it is important however that Sundowns stick to their main way of playing: “You have to play your own game regardless.”

He also believes that Sundowns’ recent wins in Africa give them a solid base for their exploits in the Club World Cup. “The experience of continental success will help them remember the importance of working as a collective, believing in each other’s abilities and trusting the work that has been put into their game.”

For Modise, Sundowns playing in this tournament is more than just about the club; it carries the hopes of all of African football. “The biggest statement that they can possibly make is showing how talented the team is and the type of football they play, continuing with their emphasis of African giants by showing no fear and having the arrogance to win and dominate their opponents, and most importantly by displaying how good African teams and football have grown over the years.”

This makes the club’s mission bigger than just winning for Mamelodi Sundowns. Because of their unmatched recent success, they are in a unique position to represent African club football. Being placed in a tough “Group of Death” makes this goal even more important.

“The bigger idea is that every pass, tackle, and goal from Sundowns in this tournament will be seen as a sign of African football’s standing in the world.”

Modise, who was a master of flair himself, connects his own playing style directly to Mamelodi Sundowns’ unique “Shoe Shine and Piano” way of playing. “If there’s one thing we can pride ourselves in, it’s the flair and mobility we possess. I’ll play how I would in the streets to try disrupting their rhythm while projecting mine with flair and mobility. Sundowns are not just playing football, but performing an art form that is clearly African and exciting.”

Sundowns’ group stage fixtures:

Ulsan HD v Mamelodi Sundowns: Wednesday, 18 June: 00:00 (SA time)
Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 18:00 (SA time)
Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 21:00 (SA time)

Issued by Showmax

The post Teko chats about Sundowns’ journey at the Club World Cup appeared first on SportsClub.

The Brazilians have dominated South African football over the past six years and are looking to grow their brand and supporter base, as was demonstrated with the recent partnership with Roc Nation Sports.

Now the DStv Premiership champions have brought back two stars from their recent past by naming Mabunda and Modise as club ambassadors.

Mabunda recently retired from football after spending the past eight seasons with Sundowns, while Modise starred for the Pretoria-based giants between 2011 and 2017, with both players enjoying great success.

“I am very honoured and humbled to be back, everyone knows what I achieved with the club,” Modise told Mamelodi Sundowns magazine.

“To be back here is something that I thought would never happen. I have won trophies with the club and have memories here with all the superstars I played with.

“Being back as a brand ambassador is an exciting journey, the supporters are always thrilled when they can identify with a personality that can relate to them.

“I can’t wait to go out to further amplify the brand of the club to make sure we keep dominating, not only on the field but in all spaces. We want to make sure that the players are more relatable with the masses and those are some of the reasons we are here.”

The post Modise, Mabunda appointed as Sundowns ambassadors appeared first on SportsClub.

WHAT: Teko Modise hosting fellow midfield playmaker Keagan Buchanan LIVE on PUMA South Africa’s Instagram to talk all things football. Please follow @PUMASouthAfrica, @therealtekomodise and @keagzxbuchanan, activate the notifications for updates, and be ready to tune in.

WHO: Teko Modise is a PUMA ambassador and retired footballer considered to be one of the greatest players of the PSL modern era, twice winning Footballer of the Year awards. During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns he won many titles including the Caf Champions League, after which the club became the first South African team to play in the Fifa Club World Cup. He also made over 60 appearances for Bafana Bafana including playing in the World Cup on home soil in 2010.

Keagan Buchanan is a PUMA ambassador and Maritzburg United midfielder. The Cape Town-born footballer has battled recurring career-threatening injuries but always fights back and is recognised for his creative flair and devastating moments of playmaking genius.

WHEN: Monday, June 29 – 8pm (SA time).

WHERE: Follow @PUMASouthAfrica on Instagram and don’t forget to tune in.

The post Modise, Buchanan talk football on Insta LIVE appeared first on SportsClub.

WHAT: PUMA is bringing together two former PSL Footballer of the Year winners, with Teko Modise hosting Percy Tau LIVE on PUMA South Africa’s Instagram to talk all things football. Follow @PUMASouthAfrica, @percytau22 and @therealtekomodise, activate the notifications for updates, and be ready to tune in.

WHO:
Teko Modise is a PUMA ambassador and retired footballer who is considered to be one of the greatest players of the PSL modern era, twice winning Footballer of the Year awards. During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns he won many titles including the CAF Champions League, which saw the club become the first South African team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. He also made over 60 appearances for Bafana Bafana including playing in the World Cup on home soil in 2010.

Percy Tau is a PUMA ambassador and the former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker won the Belgian league title with his Club Brugge, the team he also represented in UEFA Champions League. He has 24 caps for Bafana Bafana and is a regular goal scorer with the national team. Named PSL Footballer of the Year in 2018, Tau won two league titles and the CAF Champions League during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

WHEN: Monday, June 15, 2020 – 8pm SA time.

WHERE: Follow @PUMASouthAfrica on Instagram and don’t forget to tune in.

The post Tau chats to Modise LIVE on PUMA SA’s Instagram appeared first on SportsClub.

WHAT: PUMA is bringing together two legends of South African football, both who played at the World Cup, for a candid talk about life and the game. Join Teko Modise as he hosts Doctor Khumalo LIVE on PUMA South Africa’s Instagram for what promises to be a unique and entertaining live event. Follow @PUMASouthAfrica, @dk15_official and @therealtekomodise, activate the notifications for updates, and be ready to tune in.

WHO:
Teko Modise is a PUMA ambassador and retired footballer who is considered to be one of the greatest players of the PSL modern era, twice winning Footballer of the Year awards. During his time at Mamelodi Sundowns he won many titles including the CAF Champions League, which saw the club become the first South African team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. He also made over 60 appearances for Bafana Bafana including playing in the World Cup on home soil in 2010.

Doctor Khumalo is a PUMA ambassador and a legend of South African football. A midfielder who combined athletic grace, exceptional skill and a thirst for goals, Doc made nearly 400 appearances for his beloved Kaizer Chiefs scoring over 200 goals for the Amakhosi. He captained Bafana Bafana, winning 50 caps and fittingly scored the only goal in a win over African giants Cameroon in South Africa’s first match after being readmitted to FIFA. He starred in the African Nations Cup winning team of 1996 and scored against Brazil in the 1996 Mandela Cup. He realised a dream by representing his country in the World Cup in France in 1998. He is a qualified coach with SAFA and UEFA qualifications and has worked as a TV commentator and presenter.

WHEN: Monday, June 1, 2020 – 5pm SA time.

WHERE: Follow @PUMASouthAfrica on Instagram and don’t forget to tune in.

The post Join Football legends Teko Modise, Doc Khumalo Live on PUMA’s IG appeared first on SportsClub.

Modise and Josephs were teammates at the Buccaneers between 2008 and 2010 – a time when Modise was ruthless in the left-midfielder position and with Josephs distributing the ball to set up the team’s counter-attacks.

Pirates narrowly missed out on the PSL title during the 2008-09 campaign after they finished level on points with SuperSport United.

However, Matsatsantsa had a greater goal difference with 23 to Pirates’ 17 and went on to win the title and be crowned champions for that season.

This was during the 2008-09 campaign that Pirates narrowly missed out on the PSL title as they finished the season level on points with SuperSport United.

‘The General’, as Modise is affectionately known, admits that once he understood Joseph’s mentality, he played a crucial role in helping him win the PSL Footballer of the Season award in 2008 and 2009.

‘I had so much joy playing with Moeneeb,’ Modise told FarPost.

‘I remember the second time when I won the Footballer of the Year, I had a better understanding with Moeneeb.

‘He would tell me what he would do with counter-attacks, where exactly he would put the ball. We had that kind of connection and it became easier for me.

‘He is such a positive character. He is just a bubbly guy.’

The post Modise: I had so much joy playing with Moeneeb appeared first on SportsClub.

The 36-year-old called time on his illustrious career in professional football at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Following the announcement about his official retirement, Cape Town City chairman John Comitis confirmed that Modise would remain with the club in some capacity and now he has agreed on a deal with the current title sponsor of the Citizens.

Over the course of his career, Modise has managed to found the back of the net 39 times while assisting a further 52 from 342 appearrences in all competitions playing for the likes of SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City respectively.

‘The General’ joins his childhood hero, Doc Khumalo, as a representative of Africa’s premier gaming platform and Cape Town City FC’s title sponsor, as they continue to innovate and grow the local game in South Africa.

SportPesa South Africa general manager Vincent de Speville was delighted with the signing of Modise and said: ‘SportPesa is thrilled to announce Teko Modise as brand ambassador! He is a fantastic addition to the team. Alongside Doc Khumalo, whom Teko has always admired, I think the two can do great things for the brand and bring the same magic touch they had on the field to the projects we’re undertaking to empower and develop professional and grass-roots football in SA.’

SportPesa is celebrating the announcement by launching a unique fan experience whereby a competition winner will join Modise on an African adventure. The competition winner will travel to Kenya to watch Everton – another SportPesa sponsored team – make history when facing the Kariobangi Sharks live in Nairobi in July.

Take the opportunity to join Modise on a VIP travel-and-match experience, which will include a gala dinner with the Everton and other SportPesa teams, as well as the chance to hang out with Bafana Bafana and Everton legend Steven Pienaar. The competition is open to all SportPesa clients who have taken a bet of R10 or more before the draw on 25 June 2019. See the competition post here.

Modise’s role as Brand Ambassador will see him interacting with local communities and Cape Town City FC supporters clubs, as well as helping fans understand the basics of sports betting.

The post Modise signs new BA deal with SportPesa appeared first on SportsClub.

The 36-year-old playmaker played his last match as a professional footballer during the Citizens 1-0 defeat to Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium on the final day of the 2018-19 Absa Premiership campaign. He featured for the likes of SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City during his stellar career.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder also helped the Citizens secure fourth place in the league standings, while helping the club lift their maiden MTN8 trophy at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

McCarthy praised the now retired midfielder and believes that today’s footballers can learn a lot from Modise’s discipline and sacrifices, on and off the field.

McCarthy, who played with Modise in the senior national team during his playing career, coached the creative midfielder for two seasons, and says players of today can learn a lot from how he conducted himself, both on and off the pitch.

‘Very proud legacy. He is one of the most decorated players that we have in the game, and I think what he has achieved, what he has done and what he has brought to this country, I think we have to applaud and we have to make some kind of homage for players like that because they don’t come around easy,’ McCarthy said.

‘When we have them, we don’t appreciate them, so yeah hopefully what ‘Dona’ has achieved inspires a lot of young players on how to live your life, how to be a gentlemen and a good ambassador for the sport and great role model for the kids.

‘He will surely be missed, and I don’t think we are ever going to replace a Teko Modise again because that talent you don’t find in modern day football anymore. That was talent in abundance, but hard work like you’ve never seen before. Clean lifestyle like you’ve never seen before. Discipline, sacrifice… players of today have got mountains to climb to possess those kinds of qualities that I just mentioned. Modise can be proud, and his family should be extremely proud for what he has achieved. I hope he does not go too far away from the game. He is one of the most knowledgeable players you can get.’

The former Bafana Bafana international will remain with the Citizens in a different role.

The post Benni: We’ll never be able to replace Modise appeared first on SportsClub.