‘Players are talented but not influential as him’: Modise on Sundowns star

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Teko Modise, a legend of Mamelodi Sundowns, detailed the attributes that make the club's captain and star player a standout performer for both the club and national team.

Modise praised Zwane's ability to read the game, noting its unique quality compared to other players. 

Additionally, he highlighted Zwane's talent for bringing “township savvy” into professional football.

‘HIS NATURAL TALENT IS UNTOUCHABLE’

“His natural talent is untouchable,” Modise told iDiski Times.

“Themba reads game situations in a way only he can, yet he still has that township savvy in a professional set-up and manages to balance the two to be effective for his team. That’s class. 

“Players can be talented, but not many can be as influential as Mshishi is at Sundowns or in the national team.”

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“Mshishi” remains out of action due to an Achilles injury and subsequent surgery, a setback that has kept him off the pitch since October. 

Modise points out that, in his absence, Sundowns players have struggled to maintain the same level of consistency he provides.

‘MODISE SAYS NO ONE HAS GOTTEN TO LEVEL OF MSHISHI RECENTLY AT SUNDOWNS’

“I guess the question is who has taken the torch or the baton to ensure the shoe-shine and piano continues in Mshishi’s absence,” added Modise.

“Well, you’ve had the [Aubrey] Modibas and [Teboho] Mokwenas raising their hands. I’ve seen the likes of [Siphelele] Mkhulise trying to be that player. I’ve seen Teboho try to take that responsibility. Lucas Ribeiro is making us excited again, and I think he can be a player you look at and say he can carry Sundowns.

“But you need someone to consistently do that, and for me, there has not been anyone who got to his level. Also, the thing is we look at everyone with the eyes that we look at Mshishi, and that can be a bit unfair because players differ. 

“I guess we are also selfish with Mshishi because of the joy he brings us. We just want to see him.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.