Heizel Selesi Gyabi: Juggling Dreams and Breaking Barriers

In the vibrant world of freestyle football, where gravity-defying tricks and creative expression collide, Heizel Selesi Gyabi has carved a niche for herself. A self-taught sensation with a trail of accolades, Heizel’s journey is a tale of passion, resilience, and the power of believing in one’s potential.

Her journey started in 2019, on an ordinary day spent watching YouTube clips with her cousin. Among the usual highlights of goals and tackles, a video of a Tanzanian woman named Hadhara Charles juggling a football in a skirt and sandals captured her attention.

The simplicity of the setting juxtaposed with the complexity of the skill ignited a spark.

“I added ‘learning how to juggle’ to my 2020 vision board,” she recalls.

What began as curiosity transformed into determination during the COVID-19 lockdown when time was suddenly abundant. By the end of that year, Heizel had mastered the art of juggling.

Her evolution from juggling to freestyling was influenced by Lia Lewis, a trailblazing freestyler whose TikTok videos showcased the sport’s artistic side. Drawing from Lewis’s unique style, Heizel began experimenting with her own moves, channeling her creativity into a craft that blends athleticism and artistry.

Rising Through Challenges

Despite the absence of formal training programs or mentors, Heizel’s dedication propelled her into competitive freestyle football. Since her debut at the National Olympic Committee Beach Games in 2023, where she secured third place, Heizel has consistently risen through the ranks. Her achievements include a Top 4 finish in the WFFA Pulse Nairobi Championship and her crowning glory: winning the Predator Energy Kenyan Championship in 2024. Yet, for Heizel, ranking third in Africa at the Freestyle Africa Connect Championship in Algiers stands out as a transformative moment.

“Meeting some of the best freestylers shifted my perspective on the sport and boosted my confidence,” she shares. Overcoming stage fright to perform on such a platform was as much a personal victory as it was a professional milestone.

A Life in Balance

Balancing her passion for freestyle football with a demanding career as a project engineer in the oil, gas, and geothermal industry might seem daunting, but Heizel thrives on routine and discipline. Her training schedule—four evenings a week and long Sunday sessions—keeps her skills sharp and her creativity flowing. “Freestyle football is my form of exercise and my creative outlet,” she explains.

A retired model, Heizel brings grace and precision to her freestyle routines, infusing them with a unique flair honed from her diverse experiences. As a performer, she draws inspiration from the freestyle community at large, learning from every individual’s style to refine her own.

Looking Ahead

With the bar set higher for 2025, Heizel plans to focus on mastering new techniques to keep up with the increasingly competitive landscape. Her journey, however, is about more than accolades and rankings—it’s about inspiring others to embrace the beginner’s spirit. “You might be amazed at what you’re capable of achieving,” she says.

From casual YouTube browsing to the spotlight of African championships, Heizel Selesi Gyabi’s story is a reminder that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can take you to unimaginable heights. As she continues to juggle her many roles, Heizel stands as a beacon for dreamers everywhere, proving that with hard work and creativity, the impossible becomes possible.