Big Fifa honour for Portia
AMBASSADOR: MODISE AND 13 OTHER FORMER PLAYERS TO PROMOTE EVENT
Portia Modise feels like the famous music group Ladysmith Black Mamabazo, who are always recognised outside the country but hardly ever get a mention locally.
Just like Mambazo who have won a few Grammy Awards, Modise has been recognised by Fifa for her extraordinary achievements. Fifa have appointed her among 13 former players as ambassadors for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup to be held in France.
Banyana Banyana have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time ever, with Desiree Ellis’ side finishing runners-up at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana won by Nigeria.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Modise told Phakaaathi yesterday. “It feels good to be finally recognised for my efforts and I hope it will serve as a motivation to the young girls that I mentor. They will see my work was not in vain after all,” she added.
Modise – who scored over 100 goals in her heyday with Banyana Banyana – jets off to France tomorrow as she will be part of the festivities and the draw which is set for Saturday.
“I will be involved in promotions … everything that has to do with the World Cup. I am the only one from Africa to be selected for the role. They didn’t give me a reason for my selection, they just said they felt I deserved to be a part of this World Cup.
“I will be travelling to France frequently until the World Cup starts as there will be activations and promotions that we will be doing,” she said.
Modise has started a foundation through which she wants to help upcoming players and young girls break through whatever barriers they come up against and she feels this recognition by the world governing body will open more doors for her so she can be better-equipped to help as many young girls as possible.
“I have a lot of young girls who come to me through my Facebook page and other means and see me as a solution to their problems. Some want my advice and this will give me the right platform to inspire them. It is very exciting to be recognised,” she said.
Modise has always been vocal about issues affecting women’s football in South Africa and some of her comments earned Safa’s ire and she was asked to never speak about the organisation again. She said she feels this is a big win for her and the struggles women players face in the country.