From fallout to closure: Modise on mending ties with Iron Duke

FIFTEEN years after his acrimonious departure from Orlando Pirates, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise has revealed how he finally made peace with club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, bringing closure to one of South African football’s most emotive fallouts.

- SMISO MSOMI

ONE of the most popular Bafana Bafana players ever Teko Modise reveals how a private meeting with Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza healed his soul.

(Archives)

Modise left the Buccaneers in 2011 to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns following a breakdown in his relationship with then coach Ruud Krol and growing frustration over limited game time.

At the time, the midfielder admitted feeling more like “an asset” than a valued member of the squad, a sentiment that fuelled a bitter exit marked by disciplinary hearings and accusations of going Awol.

Pirates eventually allowed Modise to leave, with Khoza confirming that the club would not stand in his way, bringing an end to a turbulent chapter at the Soweto giants.