This past year has changed that, as the midfielder has helped Mamelodi Sundowns win two knockout cup trophies in space of eight months to add to the championship medal he won with The Brazilians in 2014.
Modise was less fortunate earlier in his career. After making his belated breakthrough at SuperSport United, he secured a big move to Orlando Pirates in 2007 – and missed out as Gavin Hunt’s side won three League titles on the spin in 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10.
At Pirates, Modise was part of an exciting team that failed to deliver when it really mattered, but after he left the Buccaneers midway through 2010/11 season, Pirates promptly won the treble – and then repeated the trophy hat-trick the following season.
Modise achieved his first significant winner’s medal when Sundowns won the Absa Premiership in 2013/14; and in 2015 he has added the Nedbank Cup and the Telkom Knockout trophy.
“It's coming at the right time for me and I'm grateful for whatever I'm achieving right now,” an excited and relieved Modise says.
“But I need to achieve more – there are so many players in the PSL that have achieved more than I have, so I need to work harder. For me it’s never enough and I need to improve on my game and the team as well ... we need to improve.”
The 33-year-old former Bafana Bafana star is determined to hang at least one more medal around his neck before the end of this season as League leaders Sundowns attack on three fronts, attempting to reclaim the Premiership title from Kaizer Chiefs, retain the Nedbank Cup and also make an impact in the CAF Champions League.
Modise and his teammates will be back in action on January 9 when Sundowns take on Chiefs at Soccer City.
Read Teko Modise's straight-from-the-heart interview in the latest edition of KICK OFF magazine, January Issue 465, on sale now. Or download a digital copy HERE!