Time for Teko to step up

Teko Modise has put all the drama and speculation behind him and signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. He joins a Sundowns’ side where competition for a place in the starting line-up is very high, just like at his former club, Orlando Pirates.

The big question is whether Modise will be able to cope with the pressure of playing for Downs. Will he go on to shine for the Brazilians or will he soon be frustrated by the lack of regular game time, which is already a negative factor for many players at the expensively assembled Tshwane side.

Teko’s move looks like a case of out of the frying pan, into the fire. Sundowns have already loaned out highly talented players because they were not getting game time. A player like the skilful Elias Pelembe, who can walk into the starting line-up of any PSL team, any day, is not guaranteed a starting place at Sundowns. This alone should make any footballer who joins the Brazilians looking for regular game time think twice about joining them.

Modise needs to play so that he can get his confidence and rhythm back. Joining a smaller team where there would be less pressure and more opportunities to play would have been an ideal move for the Bafana star.

But game time alone is no longer enough for today’s footballers. Money plays a major role in their decision-making and they cannot be blamed for that because a football career is a short and unreliable one, players need to make as much money as they can while their legs still allow them. Not that I’m saying Teko’s move was based on financial matters.

What we can do, for now, is sit and watch the drama unfold at Tshwane. Only time will tell whether “The General” will thrive under pressure at Mamelodi Sundowns or will his frustrations once again get the better of him. One thing is for sure though, Modise is a national asset and it would be good to see him get his groove back.