Aubrey Modiba is the embodiment of belief, perseverance, and joy. A player defined by flair on the pitch and groundedness off it, his journey is as rich in culture as it is in character. We caught up with him to reflect on how far he's come — and what it all means.
A nickname like “Postman” doesn’t come lightly. You’ve got to deliver — and Aubrey Modiba does exactly that. Whether he's tearing down the flank in Sundowns colours or representing South Africa with pride, the man from Men’s Village brings a unique blend of graft, creativity, and soul to every pitch he steps on. His rise from barefoot games on gravel to the global spotlight of the Club World Cup is the kind of story that sticks with you — not just because of where he’s been, but because of how he carries himself. Confidence, culture, and community pulse through every part of his journey.
We caught up with the Mamelodi Sundowns star at a recent adidas Road To Glory shoot to dig deeper — into the mindset, the milestones, and the meaning behind the moments. This one’s about more than football. It’s about legacy, expression, and finding joy in the game. Just like he always has.
You're a big character on and off the pitch — and to own that, you need confidence. Has that always been in you?
Yeah, for sure — but you’ve got to grow into it too. Being different means people might mock you or doubt you, but you’ve got to stand tall in who you are. I own who I am. I enjoy expressing myself, and confidence is a big part of that — both in how I play and how I carry myself.
From the gravel pitches of Men’s Village to the Club World Cup — that’s some journey. How do you reflect on it all when you zoom out?
Honestly, it’s amazing. I never imagined this. As a kid, I dreamed of playing at the highest level, sure — but something like the Club World Cup? That was beyond my wildest dreams. I’m just so happy to be part of it. I’m soaking it all in, enjoying every moment.
Can you paint us a picture of where you grew up? What did the early football days look like?
I’m from Men’s Village, a small place. We played on gravel — no boots, barefoot football. It was raw, pure. I went to OR Primary School back home. My mom raised me — my dad wasn’t around — so things weren’t always easy. But my family supported me, and that meant everything. When I got a scholarship to attend the School of Excellence, that changed my life. It gave me a chance to chase this dream properly.
That support system — they must take a lot of pride in your journey.
They do. They’ve been with me every step of the way. Even now, they call after games — win or lose. Their belief in me has been constant. I’m proud to represent them, and I think they’re proud of the journey too.
Your style of play is creative and expressive. How would you describe your approach to football?
I try to keep things simple but effective. I work hard for the team — that’s my foundation. But I also believe in creating, in unlocking things for others. That creativity is part of who I am. Even off the pitch, I’m hands-on — whether it’s with fashion or personal style. I like building things that feel like me.
Were there any key moments — good or bad — that really shaped you along the way?
Definitely. There’ve been tough patches where I wasn’t playing well or doubted myself. But those moments taught me resilience. They prepared me for life both on and off the pitch. You learn that it’s not the end of the road — you can always bounce back. That mindset made me stronger.
How would you describe the football culture in South Africa? What makes it unique?
We’re a football-loving nation. And beyond the game itself, there’s this incredible spirit. From the national teams to the junior levels — we’re on the rise. Our culture is expressive. We don’t just walk onto the pitch — we sing onto it. That connection with supporters, that rhythm, that energy... it’s unmatched. It’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Do you feel that culture sets you — and South African football — apart on the global stage?
Absolutely. Whether we’re playing in North Africa, West Africa, or anywhere else, we bring that spirit with us. And now with the Club World Cup, the world will see it too. We'll be singing in the tunnel before kick-off — that’s who we are. People love it, they record it, they feel that energy. It’s special, and it’s ours.
Thinking about the next generation — the kids in Limpopo who are where you once were — what message do you want to share with them?
I always tell them: put your energy in the right place. Not everyone is meant to be the next Aubrey Modiba, and that’s okay. Some are meant for rugby, some for academics, some for art. The point is to find your passion and give it everything. Be yourself. Own your path.
And finally, when all’s said and done, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I haven’t thought about legacy too deeply, but for me, it comes down to happiness. I want to be remembered as someone who enjoyed what he did — who played with joy, who made others smile. When you’re happy, everything else follows. That’s the energy I hope people remember me for.
Aubrey Modiba wear the adidas F50, which you can pick up at prodirectsport.com/soccer
