Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that veteran midfielder Teko Modise has earned legendary status in South African football.

The Brazilians recently confirmed that Modise has parted ways with the club where he spent over six years, making 145 appearances and netting 24 goals in the process.

The veteran midfielder is believed to have been unhappy with the amount of football he was given over the past 12 months, after Mosimane reduced his role in the first team.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a successful spell at the club, winning several trophies and individual honours, and Mosimane believes that Modise has reached legendary status in South African football.

“Yes for sure (he is a legend),” Mosimane told the media.

“He’s won Footballer of the Year. He’s played in the (Fifa) Confederations Cup and the World Cup. I mean, there’s nothing bigger than that.

“He has achieved everything. He won the league twice with us, he won the Telkom [Knockout], he won the Nedbank Cup. He has won big cups with me, the ones some players retire without ever winning.

“There’s the Champions League and [Caf] Super Cup. Those are the grand slams. One day, he can bow out and say ‘I have contributed to football’.”

The 52-year-old coach insists he still thinks highly of the midfielder and he believes that Modise still has a lot to offer the world of football, despite his age.

“We have to respect his feelings,” he added.

“I think we should look at the positives. He has served us well and he has contributed to the team. We part ways amicably.

“He wants more game [time] and I am not going to lie to you and say I will give him more game time. He’s still good as a player, but you can’t promise so much. Surprise (Moriri) wanted game time and he got it at Highlands Park.”

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to take on Saint George in their Caf Champions League encounter at the Addis Ababa Stadium on 1 July.

Kick-off has been set for 15:00.