Categories: News

Teko Modise: A Journey from Stardom to Financial Wisdom

South Africa has produced some of the world’s most exceptional football players, and Teko Modise is undoubtedly one of them. He played for notable teams such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, but despite his success, Modise realized that he needed to rethink his extravagant lifestyle after his last significant contract.

A Difficult Time

At the height of his career, Modise enjoyed expensive cars, luxurious apartments, and designer sneakers. His lavish spending habits soon caught up with him, and he was forced to face the reality of downsizing his lifestyle. This shift in perspective was a crucial turning point in Modise’s life as it helped him prepare for life after football.

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A New Beginning

Modise started his journey towards financial responsibility by cutting back on his expenses. He sold three of his cars, downsized to a smaller apartment, and limited his spending on sneakers. However, rumors began to circulate that he was financially struggling, and he found himself with just one remaining friend.

Fortunately, Modise’s move to Cape Town City helped him shift his focus towards personal growth and change. Although his earnings were significantly lower than his salary at Mamelodi Sundowns, the experience taught him valuable lessons about financial responsibility.

A Wiser Modise

Today, Modise is a businessman, football pundit, and ex-player who has launched his talent agency. He offers financial guidance to emerging footballers and collaborates with Nedbank to emphasize the importance of making wise financial decisions. Modise admits to his past mistakes and recalls purchasing a costly car due to depression and the need for acceptance. He now understands that material possessions cannot fill an emotional void.

A Humble Beginning

Modise’s career started with Ria Stars, where he earned a meager amount of R2000 before tax. Despite his modest start, Modise’s career took off, and he became a beloved figure in South African football.

Personal Growth and Success

Modise’s journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing change and learning from our mistakes. By making personal sacrifices and learning invaluable lessons, he became a wiser and more financially responsible individual. Today, he is an inspiration to many in South Africa’s football industry and beyond.

Tumi Makgale

Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.

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