Teko Modise on life after football and turning his passion for fashion into profit

News24

2 days ago

Teko Modise is a former football player who played for clubs such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. He was also a Bafana Bafana midfielder.
Modise retired in 2019. Since then, he has been more visible in the fashion fraternity, pushing the envelope.
He shares that he has loved fashion even during his football days, but at the time, he wanted to be known only for football.
Few would have guessed that former football star Teko Modise would turn to fashion after hanging up his boots in 2019. But today, he stands out as one of South Africa's leading male-style figures, pushing boundaries with every look.
Speaking to City Press at the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo, which was held at the Inanda Club in Sandton on Sunday, the former Orlando Pirates midfielder said he had always had an eye for fashion. However, when he still played football, he wanted to be known solely for that, he explained.
Once his focus shifted from being on the field, he began paying more attention to his love for fashion.
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Modise said he had become more expressive and enjoyed life more since he retired, adding that he wanted that to be exuded through fashion.
Stylish and elegant, Modise wore a light blue tailored suit that proved to be a more fashion-forward choice than the typical tuxedo.
'Maybe it's because now, I have so much time, and I am able to take pictures as well,' he said, adding:
I have always been drawn to fashion, but I have always wanted to be known as a footballer. My close friends are not surprised about where I am, because they know that I have always been that person. Now I have rediscovered myself. I am kinder to myself. I love myself a little bit more, and I appreciate a lot of things about myself a little bit more.
Having been dressed by fashion designers Mmuso Potsane and Maxwell Boko, who co-own a fashion house called MmusoMaxwell for this particular event, Modise candidly shared how he did not know them, nor had he worked with them before, but said he was excited to try out something new.
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We are out playing with your faves at the Johnny Walker Blue Label polo happening today in Sandton. Celebratities, influencers and influencers came out prepared with fashion statements! #johnnywalker #jonnywalkerbluelabel
♬ NOTHING - Westover
'That also opened my mind because I knew that it was something out of my element; something new. I always try to push the boundaries a little bit. I did my due diligence, trying to find out who they were. They mostly do women's stuff; they do dope stuff, so I was excited to see then what it was that would come about. When I met them, I just knew,' he said.
Modise, who also works in broadcasting and the corporate space, said his and the designers' energies just clicked when they met. He added that he was grateful to have met them and to have been dressed by them.
The Hollywoodbets Purple Team brand ambassador, who also goes all out for his Durban July looks, said when he discussed his look for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Polo event with the designers, he did not know what he wanted, so he gave them full creative rights. He shared that all he did was tell them what he liked and did not like, and they created their magic.
The Johnnie Walker Blue influencer shared that he just wanted something he had never worn before—a statement piece. He added that he enjoyed his look.
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Fashion show by fashion designer Diane Paris at the Johnny Walker Blue Label Polo in Sandton.
♬ MI CHIQUITA - Alexander McCabe
The Prestigious Group founder said he was now monetising his love for fashion and hinted that something was brewing with African Fashion International (AFI). He said they have signed a contract for a collaboration.
The MmusoMaxwell founders, who also dressed influencer Sarah Langa for the event, said dressing Modise and Langa was in line with them stepping out of their comfort zone in terms of their brand. They shared that their brand was more focused on working women who knew their style and not easily influenced.
'Sarah is wearing our classic bishop-sleeve shirt with tailored pants. It's something that was taken from our men's wear collection, but we gave it a feminine edge to suit Sarah's style. Teko is wearing our AW25 (autumn/winter 2025) collection from the men's wear, so we changed the colour to suit the polo,' explained Potsane.
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The two who have partnered with Johnnie Walker shared that they were sceptical about dressing people for the polo, but once they found out that it was Langa, who had bought designs from them before, and Modise, who also loved fashion, they were relieved. They said it was easy to work with both Langa and Modise, adding that they looked forward to more collaborations.
Celebrities and influencers, including Jessica Nkosi, Khosi Thwala, former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert, Siyanda 'Siya Bunny' Bani, Yaya Mavundla and Thandi 'Blue' Mbombo, came out to enjoy the polo match and made fashion statements.