A group of Cape Town teenagers stranded in Europe after participating in the prestigious Donosti Cup football tournament are finally on their way home, thanks to a last-minute rescue effort led by local heroes, donors and the Western Cape government.
After days of anxiety and confusion Clayson Monyela from the department of international relations and cooperation confirmed the group is safe and staying in a hotel in Portugal.
In a WhatsApp message shared with parents, Monyela said: “All your kids are coming home. The last 16 people will leave Lisbon on Wednesday night at 10.30pm and arrive in Cape Town on Thursday at 2pm.”
The ordeal began after the BT Football Academy, which took the teenagers to compete in the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain, faced logistical and financial setbacks.
In a statement the academy said: “Prior to departure, all essential elements of the tour including accommodation, food, tournament registration and other logistical requirements were paid and secured.
I have landed in Lisbon and am with your children. We made the decision to step in because we believe your children’s well-being and safety must come first
— Western Cape MEC for cultural affairs and sport Ricardo Mackenzie
“Despite our early attempts to begin the visa process, we were granted appointments much later than planned. As a result, visas were received a week before departure, which made securing affordable return flights nearly impossible.
“The boys and girls successfully participated in the Donosti Cup, showcasing skill and sportsmanship.”
When it became clear flights home could not be paid for from the package pricing, the academy said it arranged extended accommodation and daily meals for all players with the tournament organisers.
As frustration grew among parents back home, Cape Town radio personality Tracey Lange stepped in to help coordinate a public fundraising campaign.
She partnered with pastors Dane and Tersia Mesane of Christ Culture Church, who played a pivotal role in getting the children back.
In a statement on Facebook the Mesanes said: “We are humbled and honoured to have partnered with the incredible Tracey Lange and her team in a life-changing mission to bring 25 South African youth and three coaches safely home.”
The Mesanes confirmed the final payment for the 28 flight tickets was made at 2.55pm with confirmation received hours later.
“As the major sponsor, we covered about 95% of the total flight costs. A total of R54,000 had been received through public donations by the time of payment,” they said.
The church also thanked the South African embassy, TAAG Airlines and the South African community in Portugal who all stepped in to offer support.
The Mesanes also honoured Lange: “Your heart, leadership and determination anchored the mission from beginning to end. This is more than a rescue, it is a testimony of what can happen when a nation chooses unity over division.”
Western Cape MEC for cultural affairs and sport Ricardo Mackenzie flew to Portugal to be with the stranded team.
In a message to parents he said: “I have landed in Lisbon and am with your children. We made the decision to step in because we believe your children’s well-being and safety must come first. I assure you there will be accountability, but our focus is firmly on getting your children home safely.”
The Donosti Cup, hosted annually in San Sebastian during the first week of July, is one of the largest grassroots football tournaments in the world, attracting youth teams from clubs, schools and academies.
TimesLIVE
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