"Looking at the form that Pirates are in now and their experience in Africa, we are standing a better chance because Sundowns are also there," Modise said.
"Now we have two quality teams, with the experience, to go all the way and change the history of South African football."
Modise was part of the Sundowns team that conquered Africa in 2016, while Pirates became the first team from SA to win it back in 1995.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder believes both teams boast strong technical teams, with Micho Sredojevic in charge of Pirates, assisted by Rulani Mokwena. Sundowns, on the other hand, have 2016 CAF Coach of the Year Pitso Mosimane, with his assistant being Manqoba Mngqithi.
"I know the Champions League is a different ball game, but if they have the same mentality as they have locally, I don't see them failing," Modise said.
"Of course Pitso has the experience and he knows how to win matches in Africa. Micho, as well, has been in Africa for a long time. We need to support these teams."
Teko feels Bucs or Downs can win Champions League
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Teko Modise says he's delighted to see the two "strong teams" flying the SA flag in the new edition of the CAF Champions League.
"Dona", who now plays for Cape Town City, reckons that the country stands a great chance of having a local team winning the tournament with the Buccaneers and Brazilians leading the charge.
Pirates kick off their campaign with a home preliminary round tie against Seychelles side Light Stars at Orlando Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
Sundowns, meanwhile, are away in Equatorial Guinea where they face Leones Vegetarianos at Nuevo Estadio de Ebebiyin at 4pm SA time.
"Looking at the form that Pirates are in now and their experience in Africa, we are standing a better chance because Sundowns are also there," Modise said.
"Now we have two quality teams, with the experience, to go all the way and change the history of South African football."
Modise was part of the Sundowns team that conquered Africa in 2016, while Pirates became the first team from SA to win it back in 1995.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder believes both teams boast strong technical teams, with Micho Sredojevic in charge of Pirates, assisted by Rulani Mokwena. Sundowns, on the other hand, have 2016 CAF Coach of the Year Pitso Mosimane, with his assistant being Manqoba Mngqithi.
"I know the Champions League is a different ball game, but if they have the same mentality as they have locally, I don't see them failing," Modise said.
"Of course Pitso has the experience and he knows how to win matches in Africa. Micho, as well, has been in Africa for a long time. We need to support these teams."