Cape Town City: Club’s Vehicle Hijacked on Route to Friendly Fixture in Nyanga

• Cape Town City's youngsters were preparing for the upcoming Engen Knockout Challenge
• A coach and five players from The Citizens were hijacked while on their way to a friendly
• Cape Town City's vehicle was recovered in Phillipi but the player's possessions are missing

Even footballers are not safe from criminals in South Africa.

Cape Town City were the latest victims of crime in the country, as the club’s vehicle was hijacked on a day meant to honour the late statesman, Nelson Mandela.

As noted by iDiskiTimes, the team's under-18 squad were on their way to a friendly in Nyanga when their vehicle was hijacked yesterday (July 18).

The coach and five of their young players were held at gunpoint and forced out of the car. Their possessions, including passports, boots and cellphones, were all stolen.

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The vehicle was found in Phillipi later in the day, but the items are still missing.

Cape Town City’s friendly cancelled

The youngsters were on their way to a friendly when the incident happened.

City was preparing for the upcoming Engen Knockout Challenge in Cape Town and organised a friendly match against Everton FC to warm up for the tournament.

The game had to be cancelled as a result.

The club’s Head of Football Development and Recruitment, Grant Veitch, described how heartbreaking it was, considering that the club were trying to play a game.

“We were trying to do the right thing by going into the community to play, as many of our youth players are from the Cape Town townships,” Veitch said.

Orlando Pirates keep hijacked

City’s youngsters are not the only players to be targeted by criminals. As noted by IOL, former TS Galaxy goalkeeper, Melusi Buthelezi, was also hijacked in February 2022.

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The shot-stopper, now signed by Orlando Pirates, was stabbed during the incident. His brother, who was also in the vehicle, was also stabbed.

Former Chippa United keeper killed

Another South African with his life ahead of him is no more. Chelsey Jaftha was shot dead in broad daylight after going out to repair his car's tyre.

As Sports Brief reported, the former Chippa United reserve team goalkeeper was killed in Gqeberha on Friday in what is said to have been a hit.