By Rachel Mohamed
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has described the situation involving more than 20 Cape Town youth stranded abroad as unfortunate.DIRCO spokesperson Chris Piri confirmed that the boys are currently in Lisbon, Portugal, where they are being accommodated in a hotel.
“We can confirm that the boys are currently in Lisbon, where they have traveled and are being housed in a hotel. Our mission in Lisbon is in contact with the organizers of the football trip and is obtaining the necessary assurances that they will do everything possible to ensure the boys return safely to South Africa.
Where possible, our mission will provide all necessary support. Generally, this type of trip does not fall under diplomatic relations and consular services, but we are ready to offer the required assistance—not necessarily financial support, but other help to ensure these boys come home safely,” said Piri.
The players were left stranded after the BT Football Academy allegedly failed to secure return tickets for the group, who had travelled to participate in the Donosti Cup. The team departed from South Africa on 6 July and was due to return the following Wednesday.
The academy has blamed delayed visas and a lack of government support for the current predicament. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has distanced itself and placed on record that this tour was not sanctioned by SAFA Cape Town or the South African Football Association (SAFA) at the national level.
Parents, who invested thousands of rands to fund the trip, are now anxiously awaiting answers. With schools in the Western Cape reopening tomorrow, pressure is mounting for urgent action.
Meanwhile, media reports suggest that many parents are struggling to cope, losing sleep over their children’s safety as repatriation efforts continue.
VOC News has reached out to concerned parents for comment, but no responses were received by the time of publication.
VOC News
Photo: BT Football/ Facebook
