Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise has revealed the reasons behind his decision to decline the prestigious jersey number 10 at Orlando Pirates.
The number 10 jersey of the Buccaneers was retired in honor of the club's legendary figure, Jomo Sono, who made significant contributions during his tenure.
In recent months, there has been considerable debate regarding the potential reassignment of this jersey to current players, particularly after Sono expressed his belief that Patrick Maswanganyi was unworthy of it.
In an interview with Podcast and Chill, Modise shared that he was offered the number 10 jersey by Ezimnyama Ngenkani, but he chose to decline it as he was in a “fight with the club” and was contemplating leaving the club at that time.
MODISE ON NUMBER 10 SHIRT AT PIRATES: ‘I DIDN’T CARE ANYMORE’
“I remember I was in a meeting with them and they said Jomo approved to allow me to use the jersey number 10,” said Modise.
“But at the time, I was in so much fight with Orlando Pirates, I didn’t care anymore. I wanted to leave I didn’t care anymore about the jersey number.
“I think if that jersey came earlier, I would have loved to wear that number. It’s a very iconic number at Orlando Pirates.
“And I’m still proud and happy that I was offered the jersey. But it came at a wrong time.”
Modise revealed that Pirates refused to grant him an opportunity to go overseas when he was wanted by various clubs including West Brom and Villarreal.
“The opportunity came for me to go overseas and it didn’t happen,” added Modise.
“For me, I felt like I’m still in prison, what is it that that I have to do for things to go right for me.
“Why should I fight for things.”
