Former South African football captain Portia Modise has appealed to fans for help in locating her car after being hijacked outside her home in Soweto. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Modise recounted the harrowing experience of being held at gunpoint by a group of young men who took her phone, keys, and car.
The Portia Modise Foundation reported that the former Banyana Banyana star is still shaken by the incident, though she escaped without physical injury. “When I arrived home, a few guys pointed firearms at me and hijacked me. I am not OK, but I am grateful for life,” Modise, 41, shared in her post.
Modise, who made history as the first African football player to score 100 goals before her retirement in 2015, provided details of her stolen vehicle, a blue Polo Golf, and asked the public to assist in its recovery. “If anybody has seen this car, it’s a blue Polo Golf – that is my car,” she said.
The video has garnered significant support from fans, but the car remains missing.
Modise’s illustrious career began with her international debut for Banyana Banyana in 2000 at just 16 years old. She set a record for appearances with the national team, earned a nomination for FIFA Player of the Year in 2005, and won the Player of the Tournament award at the African Women’s Championship the following year. Since retiring, she has transitioned into coaching.
This incident comes months after another tragic event in April, where 24-year-old footballer Luke Fleurs was killed in a hijacking at a petrol station in Florida, Johannesburg. Six men have since been arrested in connection with his murder.
