Libyan hotel owner holding Marumo duo hostage speaks out
The owner of the Libyan hotel where the Marumo Gallants duo are held hostage, Dr Ali Elzargha, has opened up to FARPost about the ordeal.
As reported by this publication earlier on Thursday, team manager Rufus Matsena and therapist Dina Dhlomo are still stuck in Benghazi 11 days after their CAF Confederation Cup match. Marumo lost 4-1 to Al Akhdar on Sunday, 19 March.
FARPost has since gathered that there was an agreement between the club and Ali Elzargha. This is after the club allegedly could not book flight tickets, hotel, and other logistics because of Ramadan. Marumo knows Dr Ali Elzargha from when they played against Al Ahli Tripoli in November last year after using the same hotel.
LIBYAN HOTEL OWNER TALKS ON HOSTAGE DRAMA
He tells this publication that it cost him over US$ 37 000 [R 667 757] to arrange everything for the club, including purchasing the makeshift Adidas kit that the club used for the match.
The escalated cost is due to the unavailability of flights in that region, and Ali Elzargha had to arrange a private plane.
Initially, Elzargha threatened to cancel all return tickets for the players and staff since he was the one who had booked if the club did not pay him back the money. But after some negotiations, the players were allowed to return to South Africa with the two staff members used as bait.
He claims that the club is now making excuses to pay the money.
“There was an agreement from the gentleman [Abram Sello]; he told me that I can hold the guys while he gets my money,” Elzargha told FARPost.
“I told him I would cancel all plane tickets until I got my money. Then he said that I should allow the players to go because they have another match [on Sunday against Saint Eloi Lupopo]. But I can hold the two guys until I get my money,” he explained.
“After that, he started playing games with me when the team arrived in South Africa. He didn’t honour our agreement, and I didn’t know what was happening. Even these guys here don’t know what is happening, and I don’t know when this game will end.
EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE
“At first, the club said they were not allowed to send a lot of money. After that, they said they had a holiday [20 March], but after the holiday, they said it takes seven days to send money. I gave them my Turkish, Dubai, and Ukraine accounts to ensure they can send my money.”
“They begged me to help the club because they don’t know anyone in Libya to help them to get tickets. Without me, they would not have had tickets, played the match, or even gotten to Libya without my help. Before I paid anything, I explained the cost and they agreed. But after playing the match and having to go back, they started playing games. I helped them with everything.”
WILLING TO LET MARUMO GALLANTS DUO GO ON ONE CONDITION
“I am not holding the officials by my own will. This is an agreement between the Chairman and me. He told me to hold these guys until I give you the money. So after that, he sent US$ 12 000 [216 570], then stopped. If I get my money, yes [I will let them go], why not? I am only holding them because of the agreement.
LIBYAN BUSINESSMAN NOT PROUD OF HOSTAGE DRAMA
“I also feel ashamed that I am holding the guys here. They want to go home and be with their families, and the Chairman should be in their place now, not them.”
“The Chairman should pay [for the extra days] because they are using my hotel, eating my food, electricity, and internet. So business is business.
“They are fine here and in a safer place. I am treating them well, and everything is good, but they want to return to their families.”
Efforts to solicit a comment from the club at this time is still not possible.
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