BT Academy Coaches Resign After Spain Fiasco: A Story of Betrayal, Unity, and Resilience

A Heartbreaking Betrayal and a Bond Stronger Than Ever

The resignation of four dedicated BT Academy coaches has sent shockwaves through the local sports community. Jesse Julius, Clayton Levendal, Keeno Damons, and Jayvin Chrisholm all resigned after their harrowing experience of being stranded in Spain without return flight tickets. What was supposed to be a victorious journey for their under-14, under-19, and girls’ soccer teams quickly turned into an emotional nightmare. The academy had promised an all-expenses-paid trip to the prestigious Donosti Cup 2025, but in the end, it was the coaches who bore the brunt of an unforgivable betrayal.

Stranded in Spain: A Crisis Unfolds

The drama began when, after a successful tournament, the coaches and players discovered that their return flights were never booked. Despite each person paying R50,000 for the trip, they were left stranded in a foreign country, without the means to return home. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration for these talented young athletes quickly turned into a logistical nightmare.

The Coaches’ Resignation Statement: A Powerful Message

In their official resignation statement, the coaches didn’t hold back, expressing their deep frustration and disillusionment with Brandon Timmy, the academy’s founder. The coaches’ words painted a heartbreaking picture of betrayal, but they also highlighted a sense of unity forged through adversity.

“We are nothing like you,” they declared to Timmy. “You tried to break us. You failed to pay us. You abandoned us. But in the end, all you did was bring us closer together.”

Their emotional statement resonated with many, not just in South Africa, but across the globe. The coaches emphasized that the bond between them had only grown stronger during the crisis, thanks to their integrity, honour, and principles—values they believe were sorely lacking in their employer. They also took a moment to thank the South African public and even international strangers who reached out to help.

“We are emotionally scarred, yes, but we are not broken,” they stated with resolve.

Local and Global Reaction: South Africans Rally Behind the Coaches

The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from the South African public. From social media tributes to local media coverage, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. The country rallied behind the coaches and their young players, offering financial support, messages of encouragement, and even safe havens for those stranded abroad.

South Africans took to Twitter, expressing outrage over how an academy, built to nurture talent, could fail its own people so disastrously. The hashtags #BringTheCoachesHome and #StandWithBTAcademy quickly gained traction, showing the strength of solidarity in times of crisis.

Keeno Damons: A Coach Torn Between Loyalty and Betrayal

For Keeno Damons, the emotional toll has been particularly heavy. Having worked at BT Academy for three years, Damons spoke out about the heartbreak of being betrayed by someone he once trusted.

“You can’t work for someone you can’t trust,” he shared in a candid moment. “What was going through his mind when he did this? It’s heartbreaking. I feel betrayed.”

The resignation, though painful, was an inevitable step for Damons and his colleagues. The coaches’ trust had been shattered, and they felt they could no longer work under Timmy’s leadership. In their hearts, they know they did everything in their power to protect their players and ensure their safety, even when the academy failed them.

A South African Sister’s Heartache and the Unpaid Debt

Behind the scenes, the toll on the coaches’ personal lives has also been significant. One of the coaches’ sisters spoke out about how her brother had been left unpaid for his efforts during the ordeal, shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by the coaches.

“Jesse paid R70,000 for transport, but only R40,000 was reimbursed,” she revealed. “They even had to contribute for food, and they’re still owed money. It’s devastating.”

The financial strain, coupled with the emotional scars of being stranded, made this experience more than just a professional setback—it was a deeply personal betrayal that will take time to heal.

BT Academy’s Silence and the Aftermath

As the coaches move on, questions remain about the future of BT Academy and its founder, Brandon Timmy. To date, the academy has not responded to the coaches’ resignation or the public outcry. The silence leaves many wondering about the true nature of the organisation’s leadership and whether this scandal will affect its ability to attract future talent.

The End of a Chapter, But Not the Final Word

While the resignation of these four coaches marks the end of an era for BT Academy, it is also a reminder of the power of integrity, unity, and resilience. The coaches have vowed to continue working in soccer, but their journey has left a permanent mark on them.

In the end, it wasn’t their employer that saved them—it was the unwavering spirit of the South African people and their global supporters who stepped in to ensure their safe return home.

As they close this chapter, the coaches’ message is clear: betrayal may hurt, but unity and truth will always rise above.

Takeaway: This crisis may have shattered their trust, but it also brought a country together to support those who needed it most. The coaches’ resignation isn’t just an exit; it’s a stand for integrity, a commitment to the athletes they continue to support, and a promise that they will rise stronger than ever.

Source:IOL

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