As Bafana Bafana make their way to Côte d'Ivoire for AFCON 2024, we look at how Aubrey Modiba has made his home village proud. Check it out!
What's the story?
Mamelodi Sundowns' versatile baller Aubrey Modiba is said to be one of five players from Limpopo readying to represent South Africa at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
Modiba, known as 'Postman' or 'Messi' by his teammates, has certified his legacy in his hometown near Polokwane.
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Let's take a closer look at how Modiba has inspired his home village of Mentz.
Modiba: The Mentz football icon
It comes as no surprise that Aubrey Modiba is part of Hugo Broos' final squad that will fly that South African flag high at this month's Africa Cup of Nations.
Modiba, who plays at both left-back and midfield, has been one of Rulani Mokwena's key players for Masandawana this season.
He's been involved in over 20 matches for Downs in all competitions this season, with four goal contributions, including a memorable solo effort in the second-leg of the inaugural African Super League final against Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Versveld.
The SuperSport United star is said to be one of five Bafana stars who hail from Limpopo, a province that's been in the shadows of Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape when it comes to producing Mzansi's top footballing talent.
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Modiba has never shied away from uplifting Mentz's football community:
As reported by SABC Sport, Modiba is the first player from his home village, Mentz, near Mankweng outside Polokwane, to be selected for the national team.
SABC Sport spoke to the player's mother, Magedeline Modiba, who expressed her pride in her son's milestone achievement of being selected to represent his country in a global tournament.
"We never thought he would be in the national team, but he showed determination to reach where he is. He managed to advance his goal, making us proud. We supported him as a family, and we wish Bafana Bafana good luck. Winning AFCON would make all South Africans happy," she says.
Modiba will hope to be in the starting line-up with Bafana kickstart their AFCON journey against Mali on Tuesday, 16 January and whether he starts or not, he'll have the full support of the community in Mentz.
Modiba is joined by the likes of Nyiko Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau and Evidence Makgopa among others as Limpopo's proud representatives at the 2024 AFCON tournament.
Take a scroll through the Aubrey Modiba gallery:
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