Versatile Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thapelo Morena revealed the incredible story of how his parents inspired him to pursue his dream to become a professional footballer.
Morena has been pivotal to the successes of Sundowns over a period of unprecedented success while representing Bafana Bafana on the international stage as a versatile weapon on the right flank.
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"Yes, and obviously I had the love of playing football and going that route I had a lot of people that encouraged me," Morena said in a sit-down on Sundowns' podcast.
"I had a lot of people watching in the townships because there was this guy, they call him Maria-Maria - Jackson Modise.
"The only thing he taught me is not to give up. Unfortunately, he didn't have the luck that I had to pursue his talent, so he knows.
"Everywhere I go, I salute him because even the training he used to take me for one-on-ones and even my father used to tell me if you want to see yourself somewhere with football, don't look down and don't be shy to ask questions.
"I used to go every time to skipper (Hlompho Kekana former Sundowns captain and midfielder) even when he used to swear at me (laughs)," Morena added.
It's been a dominant start to the season for Sundowns, who have won all of their opening six league matches and are in the MTN8 semi-finals ahead of a league clash against Orlando Pirates next Wednesday.
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