“We have a proposal from a La Liga team, but there are factors to consider,” that’s word from his business manager, Jazzman Mahlakgane. In essence, Mahlakgane has a message for everyone calling for Teko to move to Europe. “It is never about me,” he says. “I had an offer from France for Itumeleng Khune and I had one from a team in Turkey for Siphiwe Tshabalala, both in black and white. I sat both players down and they both told me that they didn’t mind playing one more season in the PSL and move after the World Cup. I have my players’ interests at heart and it is never about me making money out of the deals,” Mahlakgane tells KickOff.com. “Last week Friday I received an e-mail from a Spanish team and we are waiting for their formal offer in black and white and we will take it from there. Pirates are prepared to let Teko go, but what KICK OFF readers must understand is that Teko’s situation has changed. “He has a wife now, who is pregnant! He got married just a week ago and that means he doesn’t only take decisions as a footballer, but also as a family man. I met him two days ago and he suggested things I can’t disclose now, but we will engage Pirates on those suggestions,” he continues. Mahlakgane is also at pains trying to explain that Teko doesn’t really have to go overseas. “Whoever is saying Teko must go, they must consider two things; one, Teko didn’t have a great Confed Cup tournament and two, what he needs now is game time and I don’t care who says what! “He needs to get his confidence back and if he moves, then he will need at least a year that side trying to acclimatise and a lot will be lost in that period. That could be the beginning of an end for him! I cannot, and I’m talking as his business manager with his best interests at heart, that if he makes the 2010 World Cup squad; he cannot afford another poor tournament. “I appreciate what the opinion makers and the readers are saying, but ultimately I will be the one responsible for whatever happens to Teko’s career. So I need to be careful as to where he must play his football, because what he needs is game time and if an overseas move doesn’t happen now, all will not be lost,” Mahlakgane says. “Are people suggesting that a two-time PSL Footballer of the Year must go to Israel? No, we need a good offer for Teko and he will make up his mind considering the factors I have mentioned already and that will also depend on whether Pirates accept the interested team’s offer, if say the Spanish do make an offer. Rather play for a small team in a big League, but like I said, if Teko doesn’t move to Europe now, all is not lost,” Mahlakgane wraps it up.
Your comments on this story...
Sika Bopha
having read this i understand why Mr Modise is still around, but then again its good for our country to have plyers playing abroad leading to 2010. the reason why maybe we couldn't win the confed was the lack of interntional experience from our local players and not saying they not good enough, Teko is the Best but he was found wanting during the confed and his agent also admit to this and that is bcos of international exp. con you imagine having teko and tshabalala playing in the top league and combining with Steven in the national team.
i'm sorry but i don't see how teko will set the 2010 alight while still playing in the country.
the reason why they don't wanna leave is bcos of the world cup, fair!!!!! cos they scared to compete for places aboard cos they lazy. if they believe they are good then they should go abroad and compete with the best and come back and say they are the best.
Sika Bopha