Despite being 25-years-old, Tsholofelo 'Teko' Modise didn't make his debut for the South African team until May 2007.

The Soweto-born midfielder, who was named Golden League Player of the season during his time with City Pillars has been capped in all 12 international games since his debut, scoring five goals.

Modise has promise to be that rare breed of player: a midfielder who can pull strings and produce a flash of brilliance to change a game.

Some in South Africa have compared him to the influential playmaker Doctor Khumalo and many will hope he can replicate Khumalo's achievement of becoming an African champion.