Portia Modise: Why can’t I coach men

Modise is currently a head coach in the SAB League, in charge of Ezasedladleni FC, and insists that the trade is not about the gender, but more on the knowledge of the game paired with experience.

“Just because I am woman who played for women’s team now I need to coach women, no. When are we going to explore because I played the game even better than some men, so why can’t I coach men,” Modise told reporters at the SAB League coaching skills camp held at the University of Pretoria on Wednesday.

“It is about giving myself a challenge and seeing how far I can go as a women former soccer player coaching guys. So far I am doing well and I don’t have complaints.

“I am a footballer, so you could give me any gender and I’d be able to coach. It is easier when you know the game. It is not about the gender,” she added.

The 34-year-old is completing her Safa D-License programme and says she has no ambitions to coach the senior women’s team, while her goal is taking charge of an Absa Premiership outfit in the future.

“I don’t want to see myself coaching there (Banyana Banyana) but if the opportunity comes, I will probably take it,” said Modise.

She continued: “I want to see myself coaching in the PSL, and maybe Bafana Bafana one day. But maybe start at the Under-23 team and it will depend on how far I will go on my coaching licenses.”