The group left the city earlier this month to take part in a football tournament in Spain.

They’ve since been left stranded after the BT Football Academy allegedly failed to pay for return flights and accommodation.

The group of more than 20 players is currently staying in a hotel in Lisbon.

Mackenzie says the provincial government decided to step in because the children’s well-being comes first.

“I just came back from a run with the boys. I saw the kids, they’re all in good spirits and happy to get home. Thank you, Tracy Lange, Avukile, and all the stakeholders that have been working extremely hard in raising funds to get these kids home safely. All arrangements have been made, all flights have been booked, and in three different groups, all these kids should arrive in SA, Cape Town, by Thursday. Thanks to everyone who’s been working hard to ensure the safety of these kids to the Western Cape province and to SA.”

--Reuters--