TEKO MODISE &
TIYANI MABUNDACLUB LEGENDSRETURNING ASAMBASSADORSAuthor: Dumisani KoyanaMamelodi Sundowns is a football club that sets trends and is constantly seeking new ways to excite those who we call family. Recently, Masandawana welcomed back two club legends who entertained The Yellow Nation in their own unique ways during their playing days.

One was arguably the most popular footballer of his time; the other was a player who lifted the spirits of his teammates and the supporters alike. Both will be looking to boost the club’s connections with its esteemed supporters and grow the Mamelodi Sundowns brand. Step forward, Teko Modise and Tiyani Mabunda, our newest Club Ambassadors.
‘The General’ Teko ModiseNicknamed ‘The General’, Teko Modise is often regarded as one of the greatest PSL players of the modern era. His time at Mamelodi Sundowns was iconic. He was part of the team that clinched the 2016 CAF Champions League as well as the CAF Super Cup in 2017. He also earned two Premier Soccer League titles as well as the Telkom Knockout and Nedbank titles during his incredible spell at the club. ‘The General’ has been carving a career as a broadcaster since retiring from football in 2019.

The Meadowlands-born ambassador has built a brand of his own through his social media presence and is considered one of the most stylish former footballers in South Africa (on and off the pitch). Modise will assume the role of Brand Ambassador, focusing on brand partnerships and sponsorship activations, as well as playing an important role in bringing the supporters closer to the club through social media and in-person initiatives.

"I am very honoured and humbled to be back, everyone knows what I achieved with the club. To be back here is something that I thought would never happen. I have won trophies with the club and have memories here with all the superstars I played with. It was great for me as I have never been part of such a successful team and winning the CAF Champions League was a cherry on top, we deserved it. Being back as a brand ambassador is an exciting journey, the supporters are always thrilled when they can identify with a personality that can relate to them. I will be mingling with the players, the coaches and the supporters. I can’t wait to go out to further amplify the brand of the club to make sure we keep dominating, not only on the field, but in all spaces. We want to make sure that the players are more relatable with the masses and those are some of the reasons we are here," said Modise.
Tiyani ‘Shuga’ Mabunda recently announced that he is calling it a day from the game after spending eight seasons with Bafana Ba Style. His stay at the club was memorable as he won five league titles. Shuga is well known for some great on-and-off pitch moments that he shared with the supporters on match days. His jovial mood throughout games was highlighted when he constantly sang, danced and beat the drums- further underlining the passion he had and continues to have for the Yellow Nation. Based on this strong relationship with the supporters, Shuga has been named as the club’s Community Ambassador, which sees him become a bridge between the club and its various communities of supporters. Furthermore, Tiyani will also be involved in the club’s community outreach division “The Mamelodi Sundowns Foundation” which launches later this year.

“When I joined the club, I struggled a bit because the match tempo was high and I also had some niggling injuries. My time as a player was great, I played and won trophies which is one of the things I aspired for when I joined. I am grateful for what the club has done for me. Now it is time for me to step up and take up a new role within the club. My role as a club Community Ambassador is simple, I am here to take the club’s brand to the people. I am sure you have seen how I relate with the supporters by chanting and beating the drums and celebrating with the Yellow Nation. The club has embarked on a journey in making sure that the brand and the people, who are been pillars for the club, are heard. I have been anticipating this role as my playing days were coming to an end" declared Shuga.
Tiyani 'Shuga' Mabunda As these two club legends continue their journey with the Yellow Nation, we look forward to witnessing the impact, contributions and fresh knowledge that they will share as they help the club reach new heights.