Teko Modise calls on Mamelodi Sundowns to capitalise on Club World Cup success
Teko Modise urged Mamelodi Sundowns to leverage their Club World Cup success and aim for greater international achievements, highlighting the team’s mental strength and potential for future growth. Picture: Gavin Barker, BackpagePix
Image: Gavin Barker, BackpagePix
Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ exploits at the Club World Cup, the Pretoria side needs to build on the performances, believes Teko Modise.
The former Bafana Bafana and Sundowns midfielder was heavy in his praise while looking to the future for the club.
It has to be said though, Sundowns are the dominant team in South Africa as they won their eighth successive league title in a row this past season.
At the Club World Cup, Sundowns drew with Brazilian side Fluminense, pushed German Giants Borussia Dortmund all the way in a 4-3 defeat and were 1-0 victors against South Koreans Ulsan.
Modise Challenges Mamelodi Sundowns to Rise to the International Stage
“I would say the message is to the team, the technical staff, the management and everyone that is involved with Mamelodi Sundowns that now the world, the international stage knows who you are, can you go to the second?,” said Modise on Pitchside Podcast.
“For the players, those who didn’t play and didn’t participate, can you come back and actually participate and go further? I think that is the challenge I’m putting on the team, and I’m putting on the players.”
Modise, who won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns in 2016, lauded the mental strength of the side.
“This is where we belong. We need to come back here, but there is a lot that needs to be done. To the players themselves, to everyone who was involved with this trip. I am very, very proud.
“We played our way, and we never panicked. We never showed any stress, and this is how we have to play.
“I’m very, very proud to be here, and I just hope that this experience is going to go to everyone in the team so that we can come back stronger next season.”