Since the age of five Clio-Jade Benjamin has dreamt of playing soccer professionally and now a decade later she has scored an opportunity to join a soccer tour to Malaysia.
Clio-Jade, 16, from Strandfontein in Mitchells Plain, has been selected to be part of the Jointly Building Communities (JBC) Foundation’s student ambassador’s programme to Malaysia in December.
The outspoken teen is a talented goalkeeper who was chosen out of 45 hopeful players across the city by a scout for JBC who attended soccer matches.
Russel Carelse, 55, from JBC said they spotted Clio-Jade while attending tournaments and friendlies in December and March.
“We stood on the sides and did not let them know that we were watching because we wanted them to perform without the pressure of knowing that they are being watched.
“When we approached the clubs we also asked them about the players' discipline and academics.
“Clio stood out because of all of these factors. She is dedicated, disciplined, a team player and she is doing well academically.”
Carelse said he believes that Clio-Jade has the potential to go far in her soccer career.
“She is one of the players who has that Banyana Banyana sticker on her. I see her going very far.”
Clio-Jade’s mom, Veronique Benjamin, remembered the first time her daughter kicked a soccer ball.
“Clio-Jade was just over a year old when she started kicking ball with her brothers.
“She was always with her brothers [when they] played soccer. At the age of three, Clio-Jade started playing soccer for Bluedowns and even though she sat [on the] bench for most matches because she was so young, she would still want to go to the field.”
Benjamin said at first she was hesitant because soccer was considered a boy’s sport. But her daughter’s potential changed her mind.
“Clio-Jade was injured many many times but she would pick herself up and push herself.
“Her whole life is soccer. She always speaks about playing professionally [or] for Banyana Banyana and she’s a huge Liverpool fan.”
Benjamin said she was over the moon when she heard her daughter was chosen to play in an overseas tournament.
“I remember this one time we were at a braai where she insisted they stop the party and watch the Liverpool game, now she will get the opportunity to play overseas. Her life is soccer.”
Clio-Jade, who spoke to Weekend Argus at a training session, said she was overwhelmed when she got the news.
Looking at her watch, the dedicated player said: “I can’t be too long, training starts at 5pm, but what I can say is that this is part of my life-long dream and I am excited.
“When I was in Grade 6, I met Banyana Banyana. I was a ball-girl for them, and the excitement is something that never goes away when thinking about it.”
Clio-Jade said that she was asked many questions about why she chose soccer.
“It’s my choice, I could’ve played netball or any other sport but soccer caught my eye. The intense excitement makes everything go away, your worries. It's just you and the soccer ball, that’s why I chose it.
“Funny story is I didn't even start off as a goalie. I only started standing at the goalpost in 2019 when we played a friendly but so far it’s the best.
“The best part about being a goalkeeper is when you know you can save a ball, especially saving your team in that crucial last minute.”
She said her next goal was to have her initials “CJ” printed on her jersey.
“I am hoping that scouts notice me. I want to experience the world of soccer on a greater scale, where we as women are treated equally as men.”
She feels that she has her parents and siblings to thank for their ongoing support and love.
“They are my inspiration, they never turned down the idea of a girl playing soccer and for that I am truly thankful.”
Clio-Jade’s coach, Ryan Diedericks said he was just as proud of the young player.
“I’ve watched Clio grow. When she plays she puts her everything into a game, even against women double her age.
“She is a natural at what she does. She is brave and not scared. She’s very vocal and that is an attribute a goalie must have. They see the whole field and must give direction.”
The 12-day travel experience to Malaysia will take place from December 7 to 18.
The players will also be involved in an educational and cultural programme.
The tour package costs R32 750 and anyone who is willing to contribute can contact JBC at 078 609 4565.