Makaringe: Why I can’t model my game on Teko, Lekoelea

While he admires Steve Lekoelea and Teko Modise, Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe reveals why can’t model his game around the two legends.

The former Maritzburg United star midfielder, Makaringe says he just wants to be unique because there is no other player like him.

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Makaringe joined Pirates back in 2019 and says he is inspired by the two legends, Modise and Lekoelea but he can’t copy their style.

Famed for his dribbling skills when in possession, the Vosloorus-born star, Makaringe also reveals he is inspired by Brazil and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho.

According to Sunday World, the lanky midfielder nicknamed Fortune-teller says he grew up watching the trio.

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MAKARINGE: WHY I CAN’T MODEL MY GAME ON TEKO AND LEKOELEA

Before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns, Modise was a fan darling at Pirates and that is the same with Lekoelea who joined the Buccaneers from Moroka Swallows.

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Makaringe made his name with the Team of Choice where he scored four goals and provided nine assists in 27 appearances before his switch to Mayfair.

“I grew up watching a lot of players but in terms of modelling my game around, I feel like there is no one because I am Fortune, and I have never seen anyone play like Fortune,” Makaringe said.

“In as much as I grew up loving Ronaldinho, Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise, Kagiso Senamela – you name them, I don’t see myself playing like any of them. This is what I like about myself – the Fortune teller.

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“That is where the key element was, and for one who knows me on a personal level, they will tell you that Fortune is as arrogant as he is on the field of play.”

FORTUNE’S STRUGGLES AT PIRATES, ON TWO MZANSI LEGENDS

Looking at the current season, Makaringe has struggled to find his way into the first team as he competes with the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Karim Kimvuidi.

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At the same time, the emergence of youngster Relebohile Mofokeng makes it more harder for him to impress coach Jose Riveiro as he looks to break into the team.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard has also come up with an unfamiliar solution to use the ex-Swallows development star as a right-back.

Judging his contribution so far, Makaringe has featured in 13 matches across all competitions for the reigning MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champions.

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