Chantay Norris, 25 years old from Delft, is moving past circumstances and spreading her wings to amazing heights through her impeccable soccer abilities.
Norris, who is the oldest of four children, has been awarded a contract to play soccer for FK Saned in Lithuania.
Her love for soccer started at the age of 6 when she started being the only girl with the boys playing ball.
This love for the sport grew into passion.
It became something she cannot live without, because that is where she is at her happiest.
According to this enthusiastic soccer player it is not just a sport because you meet new people, build new bonds, learn discipline and self respect.
You sacrifice through blood, sweat and tears. You put everything on the line to achieve bigger and greater things.
“I had a few setbacks in my football career. I got knocked out a few times in the semi final. Ended second or third in the league knowing maybe my team threw everything away and we could’ve been champions. But it never stopped me from believing that greater and bigger things will happen for me.”
She adds that at times they don’t see the results of the extra and hard work they have put in behind the scenes. The players look at it as a waste of time.
“But because I was dedicated and determined I was never just okay with average. I always wanted to win the league and Coke Cup,” Norris said.
The 2021 season at Vasco Da Gama Football Club was a breakthrough season for her. Vasco Da Gama Football Club ended up winning the Coke Cup, The League and the National Playoffs in Durban, undefeated.
This is where Brandon Valent, Norris’ agent, saw her potential and put his full faith in getting her a team abroad.
“I got a contract with FK Saned in Lithuania, Europe, my first-ever professional contract.”
This attacking midfielder believes it is a platform that will turn to something bigger. She is ready to go and make Cape Town proud.
“We have what it takes.”
As said by Norris, one just need the proper mindsets and not settle for less.
The overwhelmed 25-year-old said “I have sleepless nights because I think about how big the opportunity is, but I don’t take it lightly. I know what’s expected of me and I’ll do whatever it takes”.
Her ticket money is R15 000. Her donations is on R1 700 so far and still has a long way to go. She does have a Back-a-buddy account, but it is not going that well. “I think its because not everyone know how to use it,” Norris said.
About her interview with 021Footballers on 9 April Norris replied “When 021Footballers interviewed me I felt excited. I felt like the exposure is needed as well because the more people know about the situation the better. I am not one to be in the spotlight because staying humble is everything to me. I will never be bigger than football; it will always be bigger than me, but I saw it as a good opportunity to let my story be heard, which is why I’ll always be greatful about my interview with 021Footballer. I see the opportunity I got as a platform to help a lot more people with the situation I am dealing with”.
Norris concluded “it does not matter where you end up in life; if you can’t use what God has blessed you with to help others you will never grow as an individual”.
To make donations contact Chantay on 074 861 7254.
