Orlando Pirates midfielder Teko Modise would like to further his career overseas, but 'Bucs' Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has so far refused to sell his prized asset. sport.iafrica.com’s Khaya Ndubane is hoping that Khoza lets Modise chase his dream abroad.

The 'Iron Duke', as Khoza is known in footballing circles, has reportedly turned down a whopping R12-million offer from Greek giants AEK Anthens who were interested in buying the Bafana Bafana star.

It is unknown at this stage as to why Khoza turned down this offer, but word is that he wanted R18-million in exchange for the Bafana Bafana star's services.

The question now is whether Modise's dream of playing overseas will remain just that — a dream — if no team is able to meet Khoza's extreme demands. The question is, does Khoza have his player's best interests at heart, or is he simply being greedy. Only Khoza will know the answer to that question... but I will attempt to answer it!

Yes, Pirates have not won the league title since 2001, but is keeping Modise at Pirates the answer this season? The answer to that question is a firm no. And I say no because I believe that Pirates have a perfect replacement for Modise in Thembile Kanono. Kanono's style of play is similar to Modise's and he has a slight advantage over Modise in that he is also very good at recycling the ball when Pirates lose position.

Modise will be 26 years old next month — age is no longer on his side in as far as playing for top European clubs is concerned, because European clubs are known for being picky when it comes to age.

So, this brings us back to the price tag. Which big European team will pay R18-million for an 'inexperienced' player who is four years away from the 'retirement age' (30 years)? (Please note: I say 'inexperienced' because Modise has never played for an overseas team and therefore he does not have any experience when it comes to playing overseas.)

This means that Modise has to adapt to overseas football and that might take time. This is much easier said than done.

An example of this is Modise's Bafana team-mate Siyabonga Nkosi who, at age 27, is finding life difficult in the German league. Nkosi — who was likened to soccer legend Doctor Khumalo, whilst playing for Chiefs — has reportedly asked his German team Arminia Bielefeld to release him from his contract to pursue his career elsewhere.

Nkosi, like Modise, has talent; but talent alone does not guarantee success, especially abroad. I therefore urge Khoza to release Modise to pursue his overseas dream now while he is still in his prime, otherwise it will soon be too late.

If it's a question of cashing in on his prized asset, Khoza must set a realistic target and not be blinded by greed. I mean, we are talking about a player's career here.

If Khoza is a 'father' figure as the Pirates players have tried to make us believe; let him show his fatherhood, by letting his 'child' go and pursue his dream overseas.

By so doing, Khoza will not only be doing Modise a favour, but he will also be doing the nation a favour as we need an 'experienced' Modise to lead us at the 2010 World Cup.

Come on Dr Khoza; show us that you actually care about your players and that you are not simply being greedy!

What do you think? Should Khoza release Modise now or is he being greedy? Leave a comment below...