Back South Africa's Flag Football Olympic Journey

Hi, I’m Dieter Eiselen — a proud South African, Yale graduate, and NFL player serving as the NFL Africa Ambassador. I’m leading this campaign on behalf of Gridiron South Africa, the official body for American flag football in our country.

We need your help.

For the first time in history, flag football is coming to the Olympic Games — debuting at Los Angeles 2028. And South Africa has a real shot to be there.

But before we get to LA, we need to get to Cairo.

Our national team has qualified to compete in the IFAF Africa Continental Championship this June in Egypt — the only path to the 2026 World Championships and ultimately the Olympics. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to represent South Africa, unite a nation through sport, and build something lasting for future generations of athletes.

The Mission: Cape to Cairo

This campaign, titled “Cape to Cairo,” is about more than football. It’s about giving young South African athletes — many from underserved communities — a chance to compete on a global stage, develop as leaders, and inspire pride in our flag. We’re building a team not just for a tournament, but for a movement.

What We Need

We’re raising $25,000 by June 20, 2025, to:

Every rand or dollar gets us closer.

Why It Matters

I know firsthand what sport can do for a young person’s life. I went from the fields of South Africa to playing in the NFL. Now it’s my turn to give back.

This team is ready. We have the coaches. We have the talent. What we need now is you.

Your support helps us put South Africa on the Olympic map — and gives our athletes the chance to fly our flag on the world stage.