South African kids stranded in Europe as dream football trip turns into nightmare

Eyewitness News

a day ago

What began as a dream football tour to Spain has turned into a logistical nightmare for Cape Town-based BT Football Academy, as dozens of children are stuck abroad.
The academy, which recently participated in the renowned Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, confirmed that their return plans have failed, leaving around 37 young players in Europe with no way home.
The players were originally set to return to South Africa on 16 July, with schools in the Western Cape scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, 22 July. But despite completing the tournament, many are still abroad, as return flights were not booked, despite parents paying R50,000 per child for the trip.
Some parents have had to pay an additional R15,000 to secure flights for their stranded children.
In a public statement, the academy cited delayed visa processing issues and a lack of funds, which disrupted their flight planning.
"Despite our early attempts to begin the visa process, we were only granted appointments much later than planned. Visas were received merely a week before the intended departure," the statement read.
Some parents are growing anxious, not knowing how their kids will return home.
Kiewit notes that a lack of funds and poor planning have led to this situation.
"It seems BT Football Academy received visas, reserved outgoing flights with the risk that there might not have been enough money to book return flights," explains Kiewit.
"The Academy made the decision to go to Spain, knowing there would be a risk and financial challenge to get these youngsters back home, causing parents and kids to worry about their safe return," he says.