Johannesburg - Teko Modise's former mentor Fana Sithole has urged the playmaker to seek a loan move or "start afresh elsewhere" in order to revive his career, intimating Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns could be the best options.

The 27-year-old star has come under intense scrutiny from fans and the media after a series of below-par showings for both Orlando Pirates and the South African national team.

His lack of form has led some journalists to question 'whether Teko was ever that good', although over 50 caps for Bafana Bafana and a raft of personal awards proves the man known as 'The Navigator' probably can hack it at the highest level.

Nonetheless, Sithole, the coach who developed Modise at amateur side City Rebels, says the player needs to take drastic measures to rediscover his touch.

"(Ruud) Krol should either bench Modise until he regains his hunger to play, or he should go and start afresh elsewhere," Sithole told Sunday World.

"His confidence will grow among the likes of Siphiwe Tshabalala (of Chiefs), Surprise Moriri and Katlego Mphela (of Sundowns), who he often spent time with in the Bafana camp."

Sithole also believes a loan spell like Tlou Segolela's at Bloemfontein Celtic could could do Modise good.

"Spending time on the pitch isn't doing him any good (at Pirates). A loan elsewhere could be another option," he added.

"Players come back better from loan spells. Look at Tlou Segolela. Class is permanent. Form is temporary. I believe Mathaithai (Teko) will bounce back."

"Players need to understand football is like a woman. If you can no longer cater for her, she'll leave you for another man," Sithole concluded.