Our first female athlete in the series!

That’s right, and what a start! 29 year old Portia Modise was born in South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and has been playing professional football for 12 years now.

What’s her team called?

Portia is going to be playing with the South African national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, translated as “The Girls”, at London 2012, after being picked for the squad last year.  

So... why is everyone talking about Ms.Modise and Banyana Banyana?

Well it’s the first time Banyana Banyana has qualified for the Olympic Games after a thrashing 3-0 victory over Ethopia, and with the South African striker scoring an incredible 71 goals in 92 appearances, that Olympic gold medal doesn’t seem like such a distant dream!

71 goals! She deserves an award for that performance!

Funny you should say that... Portia was named Player of the Championship in 2006, for her quick-footed, goal scoring abilities during the Women's African Football Championship. As well as that in 2005 she was nominated for the Women’s FIFA World Player of the Year.

An award-winning, goal-scoring, Olympic athlete... anything else?

 Well yes... Portia became the star of a Nike TV advert, which you can watch here, along with several other high profile athletes, promoting African sport!

Amazing! Where else has Portia played?

 When Portia hasn’t been representing her home nation, the South African striker has played for a team in Denmark. Closer to home, Arsenal were also interested in signing the star after she attended trials in 2003. 

Who will Banyana Banyana be facing in London?

The South African team are in a tough group with Sweden, Japan and Canada. World Cup champion’s Japan and World Cup bronze medallists Sweden will be tough competition for the South African side.

However, with a string of victories in the bag already and the team hungry for Olympic success, Portia Modise and South Africa stand a good chance of bringing home a medal!

What is the media saying about Portia?

“Many pundits and critics believe she will play the influential role in Banyana Banyana’s Olympic quest in London” – SA Women soccer

“South Africa's Portia Modise aims for Olympic shocks” – BBC Sport

“A stunning equaliser by veteran striker Portia “Bashin” Modise”  - The New Age

What does Portia say about her chances at London 2012?

"We can surprise people because we've been having good training camps and the team is coming together... I think we can go out there and make our mark."

About South Africa

Area:  470,693 sq miles

Population: 49,004,031 (The Telegraph)

Capital: Cape Town

Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans

Currency: South African rand

Did you know? South Africa is now the only country in the world to have hosted the Football, Cricket and Rugby World Cup.