DStv Premiership: Michael Morton – ‘You can’t lead a group of men if you don’t show the example’

The 35-year-old former Orlando Pirates graduate has played close to 300 South African top-flight games for Maritzburg United, SuperSport United, AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits and now Cape Town Spurs.

He has played 15 times in the current DStv Premiership campaign for a Spurs side fighting for their league survival and has displayed the kind of never-say-die attitude the club needs if they are to avoid being relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Spurs are currently enjoying some respite from a taxing campaign due to the international break, and speaking to FARPost, Morton explained why he felt he has earned the respect of his peers.

He said: “I’m the first to admit that I was not the most gifted footballer, I had my strengths and things that I did very well.

“But the one thing that people appreciated the most [about me] was the work ethic and the leadership ability. You can’t lead a group of men if you don’t show the example, be the example and do the right things.

“So, with the abilities that I had, I had to make sure that I ticked everything on the box. Some guys have a lot more talent and can get can away with a lot more.

“When you have a skill set that I have, then you have to add a lot of work ethic to that as well so that you can compete at the top level.”

Spurs are next in action against Moroka Swallows on Sunday, March 31.