What started as fun kickabouts during school holidays to get the kids of Casseldale involved has grown into a home-ground-based community soccer club. Linda Sibeko and Cedrick Mahandana are the founders and coaches of the Casseldale Athletic Football Club.

Sibeko told Springs Advertiser that the team began playing in the local park, but as time passed, they attracted more children and residents.

He said they welcomed anyone from the community who was interested in joining. “So our numbers soon grew to a point that surpassed the capacity that the park could handle,” said Sibeko.

With more children joining, the founders realised the team needed an official sports ground. As locals, they were aware of an open field on Regent and Hewitt Street and sought permission from Ekurhuleni Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to use it.

Sibeko said, “We appealed and got approval to utilise the field as a home ground for our team.”

Despite metro approval, the founders faced challenges from some area residents, who opposed the team using the field due to suspicions about who they were and their goals.

The residents complained that they had not been informed about the developments. After much deliberation, a consensus was reached that the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and other local authorities would be kept updated on developments at the field.

Sibeko explained that the club’s aim is to have a local soccer team composed of players from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and races—a team the whole community can be proud to call their own.

“We have challenged and already played against some Springs-based soccer teams at their home turfs. We hope to one day play home games at our own soccer field,” said the co-founder.

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Currently, the club focuses on soccer, but Sibeko said they aim to expand to other sports like netball and rugby. This expansion, he added, will benefit Casseldale youth by inspiring sportsmanship, accountability, loyalty, and an overall positive mindset while navigating the challenges of youth.

The club has received support from parents of participating children and a few local residents. Donations so far include a few soccer balls, two sets of gloves, bibs, and some refreshments. Sibeko added that residents can further support the team by donating soccer-related equipment, including balls, kits, and boots.

“We could also use some soccer-friendly grass on our field, moveable goalposts, and a fence for safety,” he said.

Sibeko concluded by saying they hope the club will open opportunities for youth to showcase their talent, with the ultimate goal of representing Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, and South Africa.

“Our long-term vision for the sports ground and club is to create a sanctuary for Casseldale’s youth—a place for development and guilt-free fun.”