Mackenzie slams Academy owner as stranded kids set to return

WESTERN Cape MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Ricardo Mackenzie says the remaining BT Football Academy players stranded overseas are expected to arrive back in South Africa by Thursday afternoon.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

A group of young players from the Kraaifontein-based academy in Cape Town had travelled to Spain to participate in the Donostia Cup International Tournament.

Each child’s trip reportedly cost close to R50,000 to cover all the costs.

The team was scheduled to return to South Africa on July 16, but chaos erupted when it was discovered that they had no tickets to get home.

Several parents were forced to scramble for funds to bring their children back, as safety concerns mounted.

Mackenzie, speaking amid nationwide outrage over the situation, confirmed that the provincial government has begun reviewing the legal standing and operational compliance of the academy.

He also revealed that he has been in direct contact with the owner of BT Academy, Brandon Timmy, and believes Timmy has not been honest throughout the ordeal.

“The kids should be back home by 3pm tomorrow.