Born in Meadowlands, Soweto, Portia Modise first took to the field with her neighborhood schoolboys, proving so adept as a midfielder and striker that she was just 16 when she made her debut for Banyan Banyan’s national team at the 2000 African Women’s Championship Mr.
PORTIA MODIZ: AFRICA’S MOST ADVOCATED MEANWHILE
“Laduuuuuuma!” The commentator and the crowd go wild as the ball hits the goal. It is the most beautiful sound in the wonderful game, and few have ignited that joyous roar as often as Portia Modise.
She scored the team’s first goal against Zimbabwe, starting an illustrious international career that saw her make 120 appearances and score a further 101 goals. That tally included a stunning goal from the center circle against Sweden at the 2012 London Olympics.
She retired from the international game in 2015 and has since shone brightly as a mentor, role model, football ambassador and founder of the Portia Modise Foundation, which helps develop football and life skills for young players.
“I wanted to teach people about what motivates and inspires me,” says Portia Modise.
ALSO READ: MaMkhize’s advice to women: ‘Don’t wait for men to open the door’
ADVOCATE FOR GENDER EQUALITY
An outspoken advocate for gender equality and the women’s game, Porsha took time out to speak to BrightRock following Banyana Banyana’s heroic 2-1 win over Morocco in the 2022 African Women’s Cup final.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH PORTZA MODIZ IN THE YOUTUBE VIDEO BELOW:
This Women’s Month, we’re calling on all young writers to join our exciting Women in Journalism initiative. Learn more here!
