Posted in Features, News, Team News on Aug 18, 2020.
Modise played for both Chiefs and Celtic. The former attacking midfielder joined Amakhosi in 1996, even though his best spells as a footballer were probably at Cape Town Spurs and Phunya Sele Sele.
“My favourite player is Samir Nurković,” comments Modise on the Serbian striker, who scored his 13th league goal to help Amakhosi beat Polokwane City 3-2 on Saturday. “He always gives his all.”
The former Glamour Boy was also impressed by Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who came on at the start of the second half against Polokwane City on Saturday.
“Rama has it all – he can mark, pass, go forward and deliver some telling crosses into the opponent’s box. I like him,” Modise analyses.
Amakhosi were 2-0 behind at some stage in the second half, before coming back to snatch the three points.
“It seemed as if there was a lack of concentration on Chiefs’ side,” Modise opines, “maybe the players took the game a bit too lightly as Polokwane is right down at the bottom of the log. If that happens, you risk coming second best to every ball.
“Luckily, after Polokwane’s second goal, the players rebounded and in the space of about five minutes the game turned – Chiefs netted three times and showed that they are a big team.”
Thanks to the win, Amakhosi are now on 52 points, topping the log table and six points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns with both teams having played 24 games.
Siwelele are in 11th place, having collected 29 points from 24 matches. They played to a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United on Sunday.
Celtic, however, did reach the final of the Nedbank Cup recently after beating Baroka FC 3-0 in the semis.
Modise singles out striker Ndumiso Mabena, who has scored seven league goals this season, as the Bloemfontein-based outfit’s biggest asset. “If Mabena is on song, Celtic are on song.”
He also likes Celtic’s defender Mzwanele Mahashe.
“Mahashe has impressed me,” Modise says, “I look forward to the battle between him and Nurković.”
On the upcoming clash between the two sides, he adds: “Let the best team win on Wednesday. However, Chiefs got things right this season and the team has raised their hand to be champions. It will still be a tough road to get there though, and it’s up to the players to continue performing. To be honest, I would love to see Chiefs win the league title.”
The Absa Premiership encounter between Amakhosi and Phunya Sele Sele will take place at Pretoria’s Tuks Stadium (kick-off at 18:00). No supporters will be allowed in the stadium. The game, however, will be broadcast live on the DStv channel SuperSport 4 and SABC 3.