Teko Modise Inspires Youngsters With Biography
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday June 18, 2018 12:57
Speaking at the launch, Modise said he decided to do a biography because he needed to tell his side of the story. The illustrious midfielder had made the headlines for the wrong reasons since his breakthrough at PSL giants, Orlando Pirates in 2008. He was accused of adultery and being the curse of Pirates in his three year stay at the club.
Modise had left Supersport United for the Buccaneers and his former side won the league title three consecutive times. At Pirates he failed to win any silverware, but once he left the club won a treble twice and football lovers and pundits alike believed the 36-year-old had the curse of failing to win titles despite his abilities on the field. He said he needed to tell his side of the story and inspire youngsters who may face the same challenges as him.
“Someone said I have a story to tell but I did not know which platform to use. I was offered a documentary but I wanted to write a book. At the time I had not won anything so it was hard to write about anything,” he said. Modise further said he felt owed by the past footballers who did not share the stories with the public hence he needed to be the difference.
“I feel that there were so many footballers in the past who inspired me to play football but they owed us a great debt because they never told us their stories. With me, I had a lot of dark past. I was called all sorts of names but I never had a platform to address those issues.”
“I was kicked out of the house by my dad at the age of eight and I became a street kid for a short period. At least after what happened it helped me follow my passion to play football as I channelled my frustrations through the game. I just wanted to play football. We moved a lot with my mom and I never really made a lot of friends. I did not know where I would stay or eat but football saved my life,” he said.
In the biography, Modise reveals both his personal and professional lives. He talks about his failed move to Europe during his prime in 2009, his failed marriage and addiction to alcohol amongst others. The book is written by freelance football writer Nikolaos Kirkinos and published by Jacana Media. Former Zebras goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo lauded Modise for courage in publishing a ‘tell all’ biography. “He is one of the players to go all out and write about his football life and personal life.
He is brave enough to go all out and write about his career. The current crop of both past and present players would be inspired by what he has done. Football is a not only about playing; it is a business and Teko is leading us to the right direction,” he said.
The book, by Friday evening had only sold 75 copies but according to the distributor in Botswana, Exclusive Books is the highest selling football biography in the country.