An ambassador for the Woman World Cup and Former Banyana Banyana player, Portia Modise is thrilled to opening her own soccer academy.
Although she was still fit for the game when she retired, Modise says age is catching up and she doesn’t want to be looked as though she cannot play anymore.
“Football really changed my life not to be cliché but it really did, Age is catching up and I don’t want to be that player people look at and think, ‘She can’t do it anymore’.”
Modise may no longer be playing but she remains one of most recognisable faces in women’s football as she is the only player to score more than 100 international goals in Africa.
Modise says she will use her football experience to promote women’s soccer.
“I’m very vocal about issues surrounding women’s football and this opportunity will give me a platform to talk more about that and change people’s perspectives.”
It is time to give back to the community, says Portia.
“I want to be involved in the development of young upcoming stars because there is nothing as pleasing as planting something and watching it grow, that’s the best gift.
“I’m happy I can give youngsters from around my community an opportunity to do something they love,” she says.
She is already hard at work launching her own soccer school, Portia Modise’s Academy.
“I’m busy with my academy and I’m in talks with the municipality to let us use the newly built Jabavu Stadium for training.”
The academy, which is presently funded by Portia, will hopefully soon be in a position to start holding trials for young players. She is optimistic she can bring change to the sport where she made her mark.
