When Lindsey Dolman steps onto the field, she plays with fire and focus, the kind that turns heads and wins hearts. From Western Province to the National Champion, her journey reflects what hard work and heart can achieve in South African football.
From Cape Town Roots to National Glory
Growing up in Cape Town, Lindsey’s love for the game started early. From her first kick, she stood out for her determination and leadership, captaining both her primary and high school teams long before she wore a provincial badge. Her youth career began with Cape Town Angels, a pioneering women’s club founded in 2002 to develop young South African players. The Angels’ mission was to give girls a platform to play competitively and professionally, and it became the perfect environment for Lindsey’s potential to shine.
Lindsey played her first tournament in Johannesburg with the Cape Town Angels, where the ladies’ team claimed a decisive victory. She went on to achieve major success with the club, playing a key role in helping the team win the Rocklands District U11 Boys League, the U13 Boys League, the SAFA WP Women’s U-15 League, and the Africa Youth Cup U19. Cape Town Angels were also awarded Women's Best Football Club of the Year. These accomplishments, along with two club promotions and a memorable Coke Cup final against Santos marked proud milestones in Lindsey’s football journey and highlighted her strong impact on the team’s championship run.
At just 14 years old, Lindsey was already playing in a semi-professional women’s league - a rare accomplishment that hinted at the career to come. “It was intimidating at first,” she recalls, “but once I was on the pitch, I just wanted to prove that I belonged there.” That early exposure to higher levels of competition helped her build both skill and confidence far beyond her years.
By her mid-teens, she was representing Western Province, one of South Africa’s most competitive regions, while continuing to play for club sides with confidence and composure. Her next chapter came with Ambassadors in Sport, a club that not only refined her technical skills but also deepened her sense of purpose. “They taught me that soccer is more than winning, it’s about using your gift to uplift others,” she says. While playing for Ambassadors in Sport, the team achieved remarkable success. During her time there, they won their lower-league division and secured promotion to the Vodacom League. Continuing their winning momentum, Lindsey and Ambassadors went on to win the Vodacom League as well, marking a historic and highly successful period for the club.
That philosophy guided her next move to Milano Ladies, where she earned Player of the Year honors for her influence both on and off the field. In 2017, Lindsey’s dedication opened the door to becoming club and team Captain which was a role she honored. “Being at the forefront pushed me to grow not only as an athlete but as a person.” she says.
She later joined Vasco Da Gama, where she helped the team secure the Sasol League, National Champs, and Coke Cup titles in 2022- a rare and historic treble that cemented her place among South Africa’s standout players.
National Champs short clip - https://tinyurl.com/5n7t557w
More Than a Game
But behind the trophies lies grit. From injuries to balancing academics and sport, Lindsey faced every challenge with resilience. “Every setback made me stronger,” she says. “Soccer teaches you to keep going - no matter what.”
Today, Lindsey continues to inspire young women who dream of following in her footsteps. Whether she’s playing, mentoring, or previously coaching, her message is simple: “You don’t have to wait for someone to believe in you, start by believing in yourself.”
Money Mindset
Financial Game Q&A
1. What was your first “proof of concept” moment - the point when effort started turning into income?
I had a pair or rims on my vehicle which I sold for more than what I purchased. The purchase price was R30
00 and I had sold it for R4500 making a R1500 profit. The effort of cleaning them, uploading to Facebook Marketplace and finding a suitable person to meet the deal paid off well.
I bought a punching bag for R500 and sold it for R1000 which gave me a R500 profit. Small wins.
2. What’s one financial mistake you made early on — and what data or discipline helped you fix it?
Spending money on clothes and shoes which was not a necessity. This amount totaled to about R4000 - R5000 over 2 days.
Reviewing my bank statement at the end of the month helped me fix this spending issue as it took a large amount of money I spent during that month.
3. What stage of financial growth are you in - and what’s your next measurable milestone?
Wealth Accumulation (Early to Mid-Career) which consists of an established foundation like budgeting and emergency funds, debt management like finishing off my financed vehicle, saving towards my first asset, understanding where and how to invest. My next milestone would be wealth distribution.
4. What’s your personal definition of financial freedom?
Making my money work for me even when I am asleep.
Having multiple streams of income that cover living expenses comfortably
The ability to make major life decisions based on my desires and goals, not on financial necessity.
Financial self-sufficiency that gives me control over my time and life choices.
Just like soccer, financial freedom takes training, consistency, and patience.
Follow Lindsey’s journey and share her story with a young player who dreams of turning passion into purpose.
