Ismael Olivier Toure, a trialist at Kaizer Chiefs, never boarded the plane to return to Ivory Coast.

“We discovered this upon receiving notification of his suspended flight ticket by our travel agency,” comments Football Manager Bobby Motaung, “which meant that the player didn’t travel as planned.”

Toure, a centre half, arrived on Sunday, 8 January, to join Kaizer Chiefs for a trial period. He was released this week and transported to the airport.

“We confirmed on Wednesday, 18 January, to release the player back to his country,” elaborates Motaung. “All the necessary travel arrangements were made and we transported and checked him in at OR Tambo International.”

The ticket was issued for Toure to travel on Thursday, 19 January, with Kenya Airways via Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi, for arrival at Félix Houphouet Boigny Airport, Abidjan, on the same day.

“We are concerned,” concludes Motaung. “The player arrived in the country on our invitation and therefore it is our responsibility to ensure his safe return to Ivory Coast. We trust that he is okay.”

Subsequently, Kaizer Chiefs have notified all the relevant authorities to help establish Toure’s whereabouts.