BT Academy players still await answers after being stranded in Spain

A year after 28 young footballers and coaches were left stranded in Spain, BT Football Academy players and coaches are still seeking answers from their owner, Brandon Timmy. The parents paid R50,000 each for an all-expenses-paid trip to the Donosti Cup 2025. However, upon arrival, it was discovered that their return flights were not booked, leaving 28 stranded in a foreign country.

Coach Jesse Julius, who led the team, is haunted by the experience and questions why the families have heard nothing from Timmy or the South African Police Service. He alleges that Timmy took money from vulnerable families and that coaches had to use their own money to feed and accommodate the children in Spain, without being reimbursed. Julius is determined to take legal action against Timmy for the families' sake and wants justice to be served.

Despite the traumatic experience, Julius said being stranded in Spain has only fueled his passion for coaching. He remains deeply involved in the sport and continues to work with young people. However, he is concerned about the impact the incident has had on some players, who have lost interest in football altogether.

Player Pauline Myaba warned of the chaos before the team's departure, claiming flights were altered multiple times on the day of departure, and families were pressured to make urgent payments for the tournament. Once in Spain, the group faced additional challenges, such as being without a bus from Madrid to San Sebastian, going hungry for two days, and having to pay for their own transportation.

Myaba recalled the camaraderie among the players as they supported each other through the ordeal, but also the long-lasting effects on some players, who have since lost their passion for the sport.

Myaba believes the players deserve answers from Timmy, as many have stopped playing soccer due to the distressing experience. She hopes sharing her story will help others and bring about some accountability. Myaba is still playing football and is determined to ensure her story is heard. Despite the academy's closure under Timmy's ownership, Julius, the players, and their parents are still waiting for answers, hoping to recover their funds and hold Timmy accountable for his actions.