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Cape Town - Legendary Banyana Banyana striker Portia Modise says she will use her role as a FIFA Ambassador for the 2019 Women's World Cup to highlight struggles in the game.
The retired 35-year-old was one of 13 women to be appointed as ambassadors for the global showpiece which is set to take place in France next year. Modise will also take part in the draw on Saturday in Paris.
The ex-player has for many years called for women to be paid better with a recent report suggesting Banyana stars receive R5000 per match whereas as Bafana Bafana's men get R60 000 for a victory, and R30 000 for a draw.
Speaking to the SowetanLIVE website, she said: “If it wasn't for us being vocal all these years, nobody was going to know that we are not being treated fairly and being exploited.
“Now we are seeing sponsors and people contributing to Banyana and that is a good thing. Even at FIFA, I will be telling people about the struggles our women go through in our football.
“[My generation], we were not able to qualify for the World Cup, but for these girls what is the excuse? What will the reason be for not paying them as well as the men?”
Speaking of Banyana and their qualification for the World Cup, the former star concluded: “I am very proud of what those girls have done and, as everyone can see, the future looks bright. I did not doubt that they could do it, in fact I am their biggest supporter.”
