Football runs in the blood of Modise twins
… as they continue giving back to HopSol
Football runs in the veins of Donawald and Donald Modise (29), whose passion for the sport was ignited by their father, Britz Modise, who plied his trade for Black Africa in Namibia and South Africa.
Growing up in a household where football was a way of life, the twins developed a deep love for the game from a young age.
Inspired by their father’s legacy on the field, they embarked on their football journey, determined to leave their mark in the sport.
The twins played for Delta Primary School, Acadia, Invincible Football Club, Sport Klub Windhoek, as well as Ramblers during their playing days and they were always inseparable.
Donawald played as a striker, whereas Donovan started as a winger but later switched to right back, which made them a formidable force on the field.
The financial assistant is also the current Futsal national team coach, whereas Donald is studying towards a law degree at the University of Namibia.
Donawald hung up his boots after realising he did not have a future in football.
His decision was also prompted by his parents, who stressed the importance of education.
“I went to study in South Africa rather. When I completed my studies, I returned to coach and now I also play in the Futsal League. I am proud to have represented the country at this year’s Caf Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in Morocco,” he said.He pointed out that being the coach of the national team is a different ball game.
“I tend to choose players I trust, especially those who have been around for a while; this enables me to form a unit.
“We had trials – and luckily enough, my brother also did well, hence his selection to the national team,” he chuckled.
“If someone has the talent and you see something in the person, you don’t have any other choice but to select the person.”
Donald, on the other hand, feels the Afcon experience was one of the best experiences for him as a player – even though they did not perform so well.
“I sacrificed a lot since a young age and to get the opportunity to play for the national team at that stage was a memorable occasion, which I will always treasure. We put the country and the team on the map. The only way we are going to get better is exposure through investments and learning from others,” said Donavan.
Donawald added the young players in the HopSol Youth League have better opportunities at their disposal, as their games are broadcasted and shared on social media but in their playing days, it was unheard of.
“For the boys, we did not have what you guys have now and we were never shown once on TV. This is a great opportunity. They can one day show their children footage of these games.
“This is something we did not have, but I applaud the whole organisation, as I will always be available to help where I can. Very soon, we will have the next Peter Shalulile coming out of this league because these kids will be scouted at an early age,” Donald said.
The twins thanked Collin Benjamin for the opportunities and for working tirelessly for close to six years to make the league a success, as well as Cynthea Balzar, who guided them since they arrived at Delta.
Balzar only had good things to say about the twins.
“I am very proud of them; they are hard-working and ambitious and, therefore, I am sure they will be successful in all their endeavours.
“They must just follow their hearts and stay near to God, then all will go as it should go,” she ended.
Strauss Lunyangwe
Caption:
TOP Photo – On the field… The twins take some time out during a football match.
Tuesday’s fixtures:
Kamuvare FC vs ACFA b U/9
U/9 Van Rhyn vs ACFA a
U/11 DTS vs Quest 11
U/11 MH Greef vs SKW b
U/12 Swallows vs Ramblers
U/12 SKW vs ACFA U/12
Wednesday’s fixtures:
U/9 Kasaona FA vs SKW
U/9 MH Greef vs Ramblers
U/9 WHK Gym vs Swallows
U/11 ACFA b vs Riverheights
FA U/11 ACFA b vs Riverheights FA
U/11 ACFA a vs SKW b
U/12 Van Rhyn a vs Van Rhyn
U/12 Riverheights FA vs DTS
U/12 ACFA vs Ramblers
U/15 Döbra vs Dama SA
U/17 KFA vs CBS
U/17 WHK Gym vs DSFA
U/19 Kasaona FA vs Dama SA
U/19 WHK Gym vs SKW U/19
