Mosimane: I couldn't promise Teko Modise more game time at Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns recently confirmed the departure of Teko Modise after spending more than six years at club.

The veteran midfielder saw his game time reduced to mere cameo appearances over the last 12 months, and was believed to have been unhappy with the amount of football he had played.

The 33-year-old enjoyed a highly successful period during his time at the Brazilians, winning several major trophies and together with a host of individual accolades which he has achieved throughout his career. 

Sundowns’ coach Pitso Mosimane believes the accolades earn Modise the right to be called a legend.

"Yes for sure (he is a legend),” Mosimane told the media.

“He's won Footballer of the Year. He played in the (Fifa) Confederations Cup and the World Cup. I mean there's nothing bigger than that," said Mosimane.

"He has achieved everything. He won the league twice with us, he won the Telkom [Knockout], he won the Nedbank Cup. He has won big cups with me, the ones some players retire without ever winning. There's the Champions League and [Caf] Super Cup. Those are the grand slams. One day, he can bow out and say 'I have contributed to football'," Mosimane added.

Despite Modise’s departure, Mosimane believes that the playmaker still has a lot to offer.

"We have to respect his feelings,” Mosimane stated.

“I think we should look at the positives. He has served us well and he has contributed to the team. We part ways amicably,” Mosimane said.

"He wants more game [time] and I am not going to lie to you and say I will give him more game time. He's still good as a player, but you can't promise so much. Surprise (Moriri) wanted game time and he got it at Highlands Park," Mosimane concluded.