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A young Gauteng schoolboy drowned while taking part in a soccer tournament overseas. The National Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), and Gauteng provincial authorities have confirmed that the 11-year-old Kabelo Masalesa from Alexandra, drowned in a swimming pool during his soccer team’s visit to Palestine.
The National Department said in a statement that Masalesa played for the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association and was part of a group of 28 young soccer players and officials who took part in the Palestine Free Soccer Tournament when tragedy struck.
Spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi, said officials from the High Commission of South African in both Jordan and Palestine are trying to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding Masalesa's drowning, and are waiting for a report to be released by Palestinian authorities.
“The touring soccer group consisted of 18 young players and 10 support staff who are set to return to South Africa on Thursday,” he said.
According to the Department, the family of the young Masalesa will be assisted in order to fly to Palestine and bring back his body.
