Funds raised through an online campaign have secured 28 flights for coaches and children stranded in Europe after participating in a youth football tournament in Spain.
The group initially consisted of 38 people who participated in the 2025 Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain.
After the tournament, 10 managed to arrange their own travel home, but 28, mostly children and three coaches, were left stranded due to alleged serious travel planning failures by BT Football, a Cape Town-based soccer academy responsible for the trip.
Parents reportedly paid around R50 000 each to cover travel, accommodation, and meals.
Tracey Lange Cares (TLC), a charity led by Cape Town radio personality Tracey Lange alongside her husband Avukile Mabombo, confirmed that funds raised online would cover all 28 return flights. With help from TAAG Airlines, the charity secured seats on flights departing within days. The group should be home safely by the end of the week.
Several concerned parents and coaches in South Africa spoke to Plainsman, anxious about the children’s well-being, and called for urgent support to ensure their safe return.
Parent Virgil Martin from Parow, whose 13-year-old son has already returned, said neither the children nor coaches were fully informed about the extent of the problems until late.
“The academy owner (Brandon Timmy) claimed to help, but instead relied on sponsors and donations while avoiding responsibility,” Mr Martin said. He said some parents paid more than the initial R50 000, and visa delays were blamed for travel issues. “My visa was approved without problems, so it’s hard to believe that was the real cause. The first we heard was from the coaches themselves,” he said, also praising Tracey’s fundraising.
Jonathan Williams, a parent from Century City, shared his family’s ordeal. He and his wife travelled to Spain with their 14-year-old son, but returned separately after growing uneasy about the situation on Saturday, July 12. The group was due to return around Monday, July 14.
“We paid a lot for this trip, but their funds seemed to run out quickly at the start. About 10 parents paid an extra R15 000, yet some children remained stranded,” Mr Williams said.
“We saw visas issued and tickets at the Spanish consulate (at the time of this article). Mr Timmy, the owner, was very convincing. It’s disgraceful to treat children this way. We’ve withdrawn our son from the academy and will hold those responsible accountable.”
A mother, 35, from Crawford, who asked to remain anonymous, said her 13-year-old son missed a connecting flight in Dubai after losing his passport trying to keep up with the group. Though the coach was on the same flight, her son was left behind and had to wait 24 hours before receiving temporary travel papers.
“I took out a loan to pay R50 000 for this trip. We were promised an unforgettable experience, but were refused refunds. Brandon and his wife must be transparent about the money,” she said.
BT Football owner Brandon Timmy did not respond by publication time after several attempts.
Bennett Bailey, President of SAFA Cape Town, said the trip did not follow proper protocols.
“Those responsible must be held accountable. An investigation will follow,” he said. He confirmed a player from his club was stranded and was unaware of the player’s participation.
Byron Ruiters, media and PR liaison of Idas Valley AFC in Stellenbosch, said the club has issued support and donated funds. “Only one of our players went on the trip. BT Football handled travel logistics, paperwork and seemed reliable, so this is shocking. Our priority is their safe return. Once home, the law must take its course."
Coach Jesse Julius said now that they've received assistance they are excited to come home.
Their initial return flights booked for Tuesday were invalid. “Logistical problems were not caused by us. The chairman did not inform parents; coaches had to,” he said.
Nine children and one coach paid their way home; the rest remained stranded.
After the online campaign went viral and as he was already in a neighbouring European country, Western Cape MEC Ricardo Mackenzie travelled to Spain to join the group. "Children’s safety is our priority. We will ensure accountability and support their safe return," he said.
The group has contacted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the South African Embassy in Spain for help.
On a Sunday, July 20 statement, BT Football blamed visa delays and acknowledged poor communication but said safety remained a priority.
The children and coaches are now expected to return safely to South Africa in the coming days.