Once upon a time, a girl named Thembi was determined to play in her first football game, no matter what anyone else thought. When Thembi was eight years old, she decided to go to a football practice with the boys from school.

Thembi loved it instantly, but in her hometown of Mohlakeng, South Africa, it was unheard of for a girl to play football. Butterflies fluttered in Thembi’s stomach as her first game approached.

“What will people think?”, she asked

“Don’t let someone else choose for you what you want to do with your career.”

On the morning of the match, Thembi made her way to the big dirt pitch in her town. People set up folding chairs all around the perimeter to watch. As she and her team stepped out on the field, Thembi could feel all eyes on her. She heard the teasing whistles of spectators when they spotted the lone girl footballer. She took a deep breath. The game began.

Thembi scored goal after goal on that small town dirt pitch, and then went on to play in massive arenas. During the Africa Women Cup of Nations, Thembi helped secure South Africa’s spot in the finals. One of her teammates kicked the ball towards the goal, but a player on the opposing team blocked it, sending it back down the field.

The ball was still mid-air when Thembi drew her leg back then swung it forward, striking the ball into the corner of the net. With a WHOOSH, it sailed past the keeper.

Thembi was named Player of the Tournament, just one of many accolades she’s received in her professional football career so far. And it all happened because as a little girl she decided to be brave.

Dear Rebels,

The world has a lot of things to offer. You have to know what you want to do, and then go for it. Your journey is your journey. Embrace it, and live life to the fullest. Never compare yourself to anyone. Even in your lowest moments in life, you still have power in you to be yourself.

- Thembi Kgatlana