Twelve-year-old Casey Goliath, from Kensington, is not your average grade 7 learner. She’s a rising soccer star with a story that inspires pride, determination, with one goal in mind - to become the female version of soccer star Lionel Messi.
From the moment she kicked her first ball at age eight, Casey’s passion for soccer has been unstoppable. She recalled what she told her mom after she joined the soccer team at school, “Mommy, I enrolled myself for under-13 soccer.” Her mom Lezaan was very surprised.
Though Lezaan recalled being worried that her very slender girl would be facing kids double her age, Casey proved her wrong the moment she stepped onto the field.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” Lezaan recalled. “Her passion, her skill—I screamed, ‘That’s my baby, now when I see her practising outside, which she does everyday, even if it's with a plastic bottle or piece of paper, I let her be.
“At first I would tell her to come inside when it rains and she is practising, now I understand it's all part of the growth,” Lezaan said.
Casey plays as a striker, a position that suits her fierce determination and love for the game and also plays with older teammates, who she explained she learned from in every game, and even practices.
Her secret? A strategic mindset and the ability to adapt to any conditions, whether it’s the weather or the type of pitch.
“Soccer is my life and being a striker is like a constant lesson, because it comes with a lot of work, but I love the challenge,” she said. “Even when we lose, I learn something new. It’s all part of getting better.”
Her ultimate dream? To one day play for Manchester United’s women’s team and maybe even coach them.
But for now, Casey is focused on one goal—making it to Sweden and showing the world what a girl from Kensington can do.
Casey has been scouted to join a prestigious soccer tour in Sweden, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase her talent on an international stage.
The teen explained that the opportunity is more than just playing abroad, it's about representing her family, her team, and her community.
“I’ll be the first in my family to fly on an aeroplane if this happens,” Casey said with excitement.
“I can’t wait to make everyone proud.”
Her journey hasn’t been easy.
Casey lost her father at a young age, a man who loved soccer and would have celebrated her achievements with pride. Her uncle stepped in as a father figure, sharing her passion for the sport and watching games together, sadly he also passed on.
Today, her mom works tirelessly to support her dreams, raising funds through community efforts like selling breakfast and boerewors rolls.
The total cost of the tour is R28,000, including flights and accommodation.
Lezaan is determined not to let financial struggles hold her daughter back. “I don’t want money to be the reason she misses such a great opportunity,” she said.
To support Casey’s journey, her mom is calling on the community for help. Every contribution, big or small, brings her closer to her dream.