A young footballer from Maitland, Cape Town, has captured the attention of international scouts and is set to take her talent abroad. Twelve-year-old Casey Goliath has been selected to join LifeZone’s Soccer International Under-14 Girls Football Team for an upcoming tour in Sweden — a journey that promises not only sporting growth but also a chance to develop cultural and social skills on foreign soil.
The tour, scheduled to take place from 20 June to 7 July, will expose the participating girls to a global environment, allowing them to refine their abilities both on and off the field. The programme is designed to foster not only athletic excellence but also personal development and international cultural exchange.
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Casey, who plays for the Norway Parks football club, first kicked a ball competitively at the age of eight. Since then, her passion for the sport has only deepened.
“What I enjoy about soccer is the teamwork, the challenge and the feeling of getting better every time I play. Soccer keeps me active, focused and allows me to learn new skills,”
she said with the confidence and determination that have helped her earn this unique opportunity.
Despite her excitement, the upcoming journey marks several firsts for Casey — including stepping onto an airplane.
“I am super excited to go abroad, but also a little nervous because this is my first international trip and being away from my family. It is a big step as I will be the first person in my family to be on an airplane, but I am looking forward to it,”
she added.
While the opportunity to represent South Africa on an international platform is thrilling, it comes at a significant financial cost. The total required for the trip is R28,000 — a sum that excludes additional expenses such as travel insurance, visa applications and passport fees. So far, the family has raised R18,500 through a range of community-driven initiatives.
These include raffles, food sales, social functions and breakfast events. Yet despite their determined efforts, the target remains out of reach. Her mother, Lezaan Goliath, has also been making personal financial contributions in support of her daughter’s dream.
“Any contribution no matter how big or small will be deeply appreciated and the support will mean a lot to us,”
said Lezaan, who remains hopeful that the community or potential sponsors might help close the funding gap.
The tour promises to be a milestone for Casey — not only because of its potential to boost her footballing career, but also for what it represents to her family and the wider community. It is a symbol of what dedication, community support and a love for sport can achieve.
As the departure date draws nearer, the family continues their fundraising efforts with optimism. They are appealing to anyone who is willing and able to lend a hand in helping make this life-changing trip a reality.
To support Casey’s journey to Sweden, those interested can contact 069 712 5703 or send an email to [email protected].
