Teen footballer says group's stranding in Portugal 'was very traumatic'

Carlo Petersen

Carlo Petersen

23 July 2025 | 16:19

Two of the footballers and one of the three coaches returned from Portugal on Wednesday after being stranded for a week.

Teen footballer says group's stranding in Portugal 'was very traumatic'

Aakifah Damon (right) from Pelican Park shares a hug with her sister after her arrival from Portugal. Aakifah was one of the group of 34 footballers who were left stranded in Portugal after trip organiser BT Football Academy failed to book return flights for them. Picture: Cailyn Pretorius/EWN

CAPE TOWN - One of the 25 young football players who were stuck in Portugal after a botched football tour said that the experience was very traumatic.

Two of the footballers and one of the three coaches returned from Portugal on Wednesday after being stranded for a week.

The two girls were part of three junior teams on a trip to Spain arranged by BT Football Academy for a tournament.

Aakifah Damon and Pauline Myaba were relieved to be back home after describing what was a traumatic experience being stranded in Spain and Portugal.   

Aakifah recounted her experience: "The start of the tour was good, but close to the end it was very traumatic."

Pauline said that she was grateful to the public for assisting them to get back home.

"Being back home and getting this support is honestly amazing and I'm truly overwhelmed that everybody came together to support us through this hard time."

The rest of the players and coaches are set to arrive on Wednesday night and on Thursday.

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