FC Augsburg’s decision to hold their pre-season training camp in South Africa is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a strategic step by the Bundesliga to enhance its global footprint.
Arriving on a Thursday, the German side kicked off their trip with a friendly match against Tanzania’s Young Africans on Saturday.
In their first game of the trip, Augsburg triumphed with a 2-1 victory at the Mbombela Stadium, part of the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup.
This choice of location aligns with a broader Bundesliga strategy to reach out to new markets and build sustainable relationships globally.
Jurendic, a representative from the club, shed light on this initiative, saying, “The collaboration with our league was a key factor.
We saw an opportunity to propose clubs for the region with which we can form lasting relationships.”
He added, “We’re here to represent and promote the Bundesliga around the world.”
Jurendic highlighted how the South African camp not only benefits the team’s performance but also enhances team cohesion in a new environment.
The club values top-notch training facilities and views this as a unique chance for players to bond while gaining new experiences.
But the benefits go beyond just football.
The team is also focused on cultural exchange and social responsibility.
They plan to visit local communities and explore the wildlife at Kruger National Park.
“We see this as a chance to connect with the local culture and offer hope to less privileged communities,” Jurendic said.
“Experiencing the wild at Kruger is about understanding each other better.”
Expanding Bundesliga’s Reach and Bridging Gaps
FC Augsburg’s venture into South Africa is part of a broader effort by the Bundesliga to boost its visibility globally.
The league has been active in regions like the US, Japan, and South Korea, and this South African visit is seen as a stepping stone toward building long-term, meaningful relationships.
Jurendic also noted that the Bundesliga currently lacks South African players, a situation he finds puzzling.
“There are no South African players in the Bundesliga, and I’m not sure why,” he commented.
“Some colleagues think it’s because players might earn more elsewhere.”
To bridge this gap, Augsburg has brought along their chief scout from Mauritius, who has deep connections with African football.
Jurendic believes that understanding cultural and language differences is crucial for integrating African talent into European football.
“Language can be a bridge, but there are still detailed differences. We, as clubs, need to be prepared.”
Learning from South Africa’s Football Market
The tour offers FC Augsburg a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the South African football scene.
Jurendic admitted, “Before we came, South Africa wasn’t on my radar as a scouting location.
It seemed too distant and unfamiliar.”
He also acknowledged the challenges African players face with work permits in European leagues, noting that they often encounter more difficulties compared to South American players.
Despite these hurdles, Augsburg is committed to fostering connections with African football and actively engaging with local talent during their visit.
Jurendic concluded, “I hope we can build these bridges and follow up with our opponents in the future.
Our chief scout will continue to engage and exchange ideas in the coming days.”
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