Twenty-five Cape Town teens stranded in Spain after attending the Donosti Cup football tournament have finally returned home to South Africa. The teens, part of the Cape Town Spurs Academy, had travelled to San Sebastián to compete in the prestigious youth tournament. However, they were left stranded when it was discovered they held only one-way tickets.
The situation caused panic among parents and concern across the community. Many families were unaware that return flights had not been booked. The group of young footballers, aged between 14 and 16, had left for Europe earlier this month. Notably, some parents paid up to R35,000 for the trip.
Community action leads to rescue
As news of the Cape Town teens stranded in Spain spread, families, community members, and officials stepped in to assist. Donations were collected, and urgent efforts were made to secure travel arrangements. The final group of players arrived at Cape Town International Airport this week, where they were reunited with their families.
The teens had reportedly been left without proper accommodation or a clear return plan. This further escalated the urgency of the situation. The ordeal has sparked outrage and concern over how the trip was organised.
Calls for accountability grow
With the Cape Town teens stranded in Spain now safely back home, many parents are demanding answers from the Cape Town Spurs Academy. They are calling for full accountability and better oversight of youth travel programmes.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for stricter regulations around international sports tours involving minors. While families are relieved, questions remain about how such a major oversight occurred. Moreover, there is concern about how to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
