'I just want to hug him': Mother's joy as son returns from stranded soccer trip in Spain

A mother has shared her excitement of finally seeing her son on Thursday who is among the 25 aspiring soccer stars left stranded in Spain.

Dominique Charles from Bellville told the Cape Argus her son, Michael Duminy, 17, is expected to land on South African soil on Thursday afternoon, She has not seen him since July 6.

Charles said her son was one of the teenagers who helped the coaches with supervising the others.

“I cannot wait, I do not know how to describe it. It is just a matter of seeing him and wanting to hug him,” she said.

“I cannot thank everyone enough, whether it was through prayer, financial, emotional or mental support, it was a tough time.

“Thank God for making it happen.”

Charles said she managed to raise the R48 500 for her son after he was selected to be part of the Donosti Cup 2025 and that she was horrified when she learnt her son and others were stranded.

She also managed to secure another R15 000 a week ago.

Return flights for the group were apparently not booked after BT Academy claimed their visa appointments were delayed and prices of the tickets increased.

“I was told there isn't enough money and that another R15 000 was needed,” she said.

“That was last Thursday.

"I had to borrow the money from different people because what bank is going to give you that kind of money immediately? I still need to pay that back.

"This has been a learning curve for everyone.

“I just want to thank the people of Spain also for their hospitality, if it had not been for Tracey Lange and everyone who helped, I don't know what we would have done. 

According to travel experts, the visa and ticket oversight should have been flagged during the departure process. 

Most countries, including South Africa, require proof of onward or return travel as a condition of entry and departure - especially when minors are involved.

An issued flight ticket refers to a paid, confirmed airline booking that includes all details of the journey. 

However, an issued one-way ticket cannot be used as a return ticket, unless specifically purchased as a round-trip fare with both outbound and inbound segments.

Without such proof, passengers risk being denied entry or even deported from foreign countries.

Local radio personality Tracy Lange stepped in to help. She contacted travel agent Melisha Moodley of Travel Direct, who in turn teamed up with Ceu Dia, another travel consultant. 

Together, they launched a rescue mission to bring the children home through emergency fundraising and donations.

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Cape Argus