A delegation from Bundesliga side 1.FSV Mainz 05, led by Arena management and CSR/Sustainability director Stefan Bandholz and former 05 player Jörg Conrad, experienced a very successful week in South Africa.
Together with 05er partner Rhineland-Palatinate Gold, the week included various training sessions with the local clubs Hotspurs FC (a club based in Langa Zone 20), Belhar Spurs and Durbanville FC, alongside numerous other activities and visits.
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“The activation in Langa was a resounding success. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is proud to collaborate and form partnerships with organisations that share its vision and mission of creating access and opportunities for the residents of the Western Cape,” said Crystal Panter, Deputy Director Sport and Promotion at Western Cape Sports and Culture.
“These initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening such partnerships. These collaborations are especially important in creating access for girls to participate in sport and benefit from exposure to international coaching.
“Furthermore, they serve as a platform for local coaches in the Western Cape and South Africa to connect with international expertise, laying the groundwork for future capacity-building initiatives.”
South Africa’s Freestyle Football Champion, Ashley Mkhize and local Football Content Creator Cellular joined every session beside Vasili Manousakis’ son Mateo, also known as the former mascot of Cape Town City.
Meanwhile, Jonas Revers, Head of Internationalisation at Mainz 05 added: “For Mainz 05 and Rheinland-Pfalz GOLD, this project is more than just a sporting event. It demonstrates how the values of Rhineland-Palatinate – openness, commitment, and a sense of responsibility – can have an impact internationally. At the same time, initiatives like this strengthen our global visibility as a modern and socially engaged region and club,” stated Julian Schäfer, Referent Marketing at Rhineland-Palatinate Gold.
“Again, we are very delighted with the excellent reception of these initiatives and the overwhelmingly positive feedback. We are super happy creating such a great impact together with our partner Rhineland-Palatinate Gold. It was another step to strengthen our relationships in South Africa, representing the Bundesliga and our club.”
Bandholz concluded: “It was a great week with lots of impressions and experiences. In addition to the sessions, we were able to get to know many new contacts and personalities and thus further expand our local network.”
