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Soccer players

Stranded Soccer Players to Return Home After Fundraising Effort

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A group of 28 South African soccer players stranded in Europe by their academy has been given a second chance at home thanks to a collaborative effort between a radio personality and a church. The players, along with three coaches, are set to return to South Africa after fundraising and private sponsorship secured their return flights. Radio personality Tracey Lange, through her Tracey Lange Cares initiative, raised the money to secure return flights, with the Christ Culture Church covering nearly all the costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • 28 South African soccer players, including 3 coaches, were left stranded in Europe by their academy, BT Football Academy, due to the high cost of return flights.
  • Radio personality Tracey Lange, through her Tracey Lange Cares initiative, raised the funds to secure return flights for the players.
  • The Christ Culture Church covered nearly 95% of the total flight costs, with R54,000 received through public financial donations.
  • TAAG Airlines reduced the cost of the flight, making it possible for the players to return home.
  • The players will be returning to South Africa within the next few days, with everyone expected to be home by the end of the week.
  • Brandon Timmy, the CEO and founder of BT Football Academy, excused the high cost of return flights as the reason for the ordeal.
  • The players were initially expected to return to South Africa but were left stranded when their academy failed to buy return-flight tickets.

Statistics:

  • 28 South African soccer players were left stranded in Europe.
  • 3 coaches, including the under-14 and under-19 teams' coaches, were also stranded.
  • R54,000 was received through public financial donations.
  • 95% of the total flight costs were covered by the Christ Culture Church.
  • R50,000 was the initial payment made by the parents of the athletes for the trip.
  • An additional R15,000 was paid by the parents to secure the players' return to South Africa.

Sources:

  • Daily Maverick
  • Tracey Lange Cares
  • Christ Culture Church
  • TAAG Airlines

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