PSL side, Marumo Gallants, gave an update about two club officials, media officer Rufus Matsena and team physiotherapist Tebogo Dhlomo detained in Libya.
The two officials are held up in Libya as surety for unpaid debt following the team’s Caf Confederation Cup match against Al Akhdar on 19 March 2023.
“Efforts are still underway to bring home two Marumo Gallants staff members detained in Libya over financial dispute,” read the statement.
“A virtual meeting was held yesterday under the mediation of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in an attempt to urgently resolve the issue.
“Parties in attendance included the executive management team of Marumo Gallants, the South African Football Association (SAFA), the Libyan embassy in South Africa, South Africa’s ambassador to Tunisia and other relevant officials.
“The Libyan hotel owner, as well as Matsema and Dhlomo, were also in attendance. Talks and processes are currently underway to settle the matter and bring the employees back home.”
Marumo Gallants chairman Abram Sello has pleaded for parties to resolve matter. “My people belong at home here in South Africa with their families, especially over the Easter period. Both men are extremely emotional and exhausted, and need to return to their homes and loved ones.”
“I am trying my utmost to get them back to South African soil. This is an active case and a very sensitive one. My priority is to get my employees back safely. We are not ignoring the media – we have to take into account the various factors that influence this matter and act accordingly.
“Our sole focus is on bringing our people back home to South Africa. We ask that the media bear with us during this period and understand the fragility of the situation.
“As we have stated, once the two men are back in the country, we will engage with media and respond to questions around the situation that has transpired.”
By Zola Doda