Thirteen-year-old Misha Abader, the youngest player on the Camps Bay FC under-16 girls squad, is experiencing her first international sports journey at the 2026 Gothia Youth Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden.

After a 15-hour flight, the team has settled into tournament mode, facing rigorous group stages with matches scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.The squad of 18 players, including Misha, is staying together with their coach in a close-quarters dorm setup to foster team bonding.Their warm-up friendly against a local Swedish team saw a hard-fought 2-1 victory, while their male counterparts secured a 4-1 win.However, the girls faced a challenging 4-1 defeat in their opening group match.

The trip, made possible by a fundraising effort led by Misha's mother, Laylaa, and supported by Survé Philanthropies, highlights the financial challenges of youth sports participation.Supporters in Cape Town can track the team's progress through live updates, with the South African flag flying proudly in Gothenburg.Misha's focus remains on testing herself against international forwards, marking a significant milestone in her sporting career.