HAVE A BALL

IT WAS a glorious occasion for Cape Town soccer meisie Casey Goliath who finally boarded her flight to Sweden yesterday.

The girl from Maitland was joined by her mom Lezaan, younger siblings and family and friends who came to say good luck before her departure at Cape Town International Airport. 

Goliath was selected to join LifeZone Sport International U14 girls soccer team on their tour from 20 June to 7 July.

However, she needed to raise R28 000 excluding travel insurance, visa costs and transport fees.

The money needed to be paid by 30 April but despite tireless efforts by the family to raise the funds, a shortfall remained.

The family then also fell victim to a “scam” when a reverend reached out to Lezaan offering his help.

In the background, Independent Media Editor-in-Chief Adri Senekal de Wet read the article and was so touched by Goliath’s story that she decided to reach out to businessman Zunaid Moti, who sponsored R40 000 for the trip.

It was an emotional moment for mom Lezaan who could not fight back the tears as a happy Casey was all smiles and amped up with excitement.

Casey tells Daily Voice: “I am very excited. I cannot believe I am making my dream come true to play soccer all the way overseas. I am nervous at the same time because it is my first time going on a plane, but I am looking forward to seeing Sweden.”

Senekal de Wet met up with the family at the airport and surprised Casey with a gift.

Senekal de Wet said: “Casey, from the very first moment I read about your story, you touched my heart. Your bravery, your spirit, and your unwavering commitment to achieving your dreams are a shining example to every young South African.

“You have shown us all what it means to believe in yourself and never give up. 

“It has been an absolute honour to assist in securing a sponsor for you. You go, girl. Fly the South African flag high and make us proud in Sweden.”

Coach Jeremy Wyngaard added that it is a beautiful moment for the club as it is their ninth tour to Sweden taking children from underprivileged communities.

He added: “We are very privileged to raise awareness and create opportunities for our children from difficult communities in Cape Town.

“We are doing our best to create positive opportunities for our children and what makes us proud is the community spirit to people working together to generate the opportunity for their children.”