Former South Africa Football Star Portia Modise Appeals to Fans After Shocking Hijacking Incident
Portia Modise, the former captain of South Africa’s national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, took to Instagram to seek assistance from her fans following a distressing hijacking incident outside her home in Soweto. The 41-year-old football legend, who made a remarkable international debut at just 16, described her terrifying experience and provided details about her stolen blue Polo Golf in hopes of retrieving it.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
In the emotional video posted on her Instagram account, Modise recounted the harrowing event where she was accosted at gunpoint by a group of young men. "When I arrived home… there were a few guys who pointed firearms at me and hijacked me… I am not OK but I am grateful for life," she shared, visibly shaken. Although she escaped the incident without physical harm, the psychological trauma was evident.
The Portia Modise Foundation confirmed that Modise was still reeling from the shock of the event. They emphasized the gravity of the incident and expressed gratitude that she was unharmed. The video quickly went viral, garnering a massive outpouring of support from her fans and broader football community.
Modise’s Storied Career in Context
Portia Modise’s appeal comes in the wake of an illustrious career that saw her become a record-holder for Banyana Banyana. She burst onto the international scene in 2000, dazzling fans and opponents alike. Her exceptional talent earned her a nomination for the Fifa Player of the Year in 2005, and she secured the Player of the Tournament award at the 2006 African Women’s Championship. Since her retirement from active play, Modise has transitioned into coaching, continuing to contribute to the sport she loves.
Rising Concerns Over Player Safety
This incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of sports personalities in South Africa. Just last April, 24-year-old footballer Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life in a hijacking at a petrol station in Florida, Johannesburg. His murder led to the arrest of six individuals, prompting a national conversation about crime rates and the vulnerability of public figures.
Community and Police Response
In her Instagram post, Modise provided the registration details of her stolen vehicle and urged anyone with information to contact her directly. Despite the quick dissemination of this information, the car has yet to be recovered. The response from her supporters has underscored the community’s solidarity and determination to assist one of their cherished sports icons.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that even the most celebrated personalities face in their daily lives. The football community and fans alike are rallying behind Modise, offering not just emotional support but also actionable help to retrieve her stolen car and bring the perpetrators to justice.
