Western Cape Minister Ricardo Mackenzie is en route to Portugal to support over 20 young soccer players from Cape Town stranded abroad. Image: BT Football/ Facebook
(The Post News)- More than 20 young soccer players from Cape Town remain stranded in Lisbon, prompting Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, to travel to Portugal to oversee their safe return.
The team departed South Africa on 6 July to compete in the prestigious Donosti Cup in Spain and was due to return the following Wednesday. However, after the tournament concluded, the players became stranded in Lisbon when the BT Football Academy, which organized the trip, reportedly failed to secure return flights and accommodation on time.
The players, many of whom are teenagers, are currently staying at a hotel in Lisbon while ongoing efforts aim to bring them home safely.
“Our top priority is making sure the children are safe and able to come home promptly,” Colyn said.
The BT Football Academy, a local youth soccer organization dedicated to developing talent, stated that all tour-related expenses including accommodation, food, tournament registration, and other logistics were paid for before departure. The team had been eager to represent South Africa at the Donosti Cup.
The Academy explained that delays in visa approvals led to costly last-minute return flights, which strained their resources. Prior to the trip, the Academy reached out to various government departments and ministers seeking financial assistance but received no response.
While the players successfully participated in the tournament, the high cost of flights after the event left the team unable to secure tickets home.
“We understand that our limited communication has caused concern. Please know that we are working tirelessly to find solutions and bring every player back home as soon as possible,” the Academy said.
The Academy remains committed to exploring all available options and will not rest until each player has safely returned to South Africa.
Please contact Thembeka via email: journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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