Everson Luhanga
Last Wednesday, 18 talented boys from Alexandra township and Cape Town left with their football team for a tournament in Palestine. But after tragedy struck, only 17 of the boys will return home.
Kabelo Masalesa drowned in a swimming pool during the talent exchange program.
The young boys from Alex boys are in the exchange program sponsored by the Department of Sports, Art, and Culture and the Palestinian Embassy.
Alex LFA secretary general Malvin Khumalo said when the incident happened, it was hard for him to break the news to Kabelo’s peers.
“They were left devastated when we finally told them that one of their friends had died,” he said.
The 17 remaining boys are set to fly back to South Africa on Thursday.
Marvin also said he has contacted both the club back home, called Black Poison, and Kabelo’s family. “We are at a point of repatriation and flying the parents to this site as soon as possible.”
He said they have a preliminary report and CCTV footage. “The embassy is assisting us. Full investigation to establish how he ended up in a swimming pool alone is underway.” He said the boys have asked to play the remaining game in honour of Kabelo.
Marvin said Kabelo was one of the promising stars with a bright future.
His coach Phathutshedzo Maseko said besides being a skilful player on the field, Kabelo is also a respectful child. He loved soccer.
They were supposed to be landing back in South Africa this coming Friday.
Alexandra has previously produced international soccer stars like Alfred Maimane Phiri, Brian Baloyi Cosmos Zwane, Sibusiso Zwane, Lucky Maselesele and more.
Kabelo was supposed to follow in the footsteps of the legacy created by those footballers.
