Gauteng boy (11) drowns at international soccer tournament
An 11-year-old boy from Alexandra has downed in a swimming pool while taking part in an international soccer tournament in the Palestinian region.
Kabelo Masalesa, from the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association, took part in the Palestine Free Soccer Tournament when tragedy struck.
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) says the tournament involves soccer matches between Alexandra Soccer Team and Cape Town Soccer Team against Palestinian football clubs.
A total of 18 young soccer players and 10 support staff left for the overseas trip last week and is set to return on Thursday.
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The department's Zimasa Velaphi says that the department is still gathering details about the tragic incident.
“In so far as ascertaining specific details about what occurred, officials of DSAC and Gauteng Department of Sports Arts, Culture and Recreation, as well as the High Commission of South Africa in both Jordan and Palestine, have been on the ground engaging the relevant Palestinian authorities who will facilitate the provision of a report about the incident.
“Furthermore, senior officials from both DSAC and GDSACR have met Kabelo’s family and have initiated interventions intended to ensure that all necessary support is provided.
"To this extent, through support from the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation and Home Affairs, family members are supported to travel to Palestine and secure the return of Kabelo to South Africa."
