29 July 2019 – Under the motto “German Football Ambassador goes South Africa” the non-profit association DEUTSCHER FUSSBALL BOTSCHAFTER e.V., represented by President Roland Bischof, visited South Africa to support social projects. Together with numerous representatives of the South African football community, he was received by the German Ambassador Martin Schäfer at the German Embassy in Pretoria. Prominent guests, such as Russell Paul (CEO South African Football Association), Sibusiso Zuma (former South African footballer and player at the German club Arminia Bielefeld), Iris Henkel (Hout Bay United Football Community), Neil Tovey (SAFA Technical Director) and Horst Kriete (German Football Ambassador 2017), were also among the numerous guests.
The non-profit association combines the appreciation of German coaches and players working abroad with the support of social projects. This year’s winner of the main prize, cult coach Jürgen Klopp, decided to use his prize money to support the social institution HBUFC (Hout Bay United Football Community), which he had already met personally in the past.
Horst Kriete, who played a major role in shaping South African football, was personally present when the social Beyond the Field – Project Horst founded for him by the South African Football Association (SAFA) was presented. He visibly felt at home in the circle of faces of the South African football world he had known for many years and said enthusiastically: “Thanks to SAFA and all my friends here!”
Both social projects are committed to the development of young South Africans and to use the power of football to this end. Jürgen Klopp was impressed above all by the great commitment of those responsible.
Roland Bischof, who came from Germany especially for this reception, commented: “During my visit to Jürgen Klopp in Liverpool, I discovered a self-produced ball of the HBUFC campaign “Joy is Round” on his shelf with personal honors and mementoes.
For the German Ambassador Martin Schäfer, who has also been a member of the jury of the DEUTSCHER FUSSBALL BOTSCHAFTER association for many years, it was the second major football welcome at the German Embassy this year after the visit of SV Werder Bremen.
“Football is a universal language that brings people and cultures together. It is therefore wonderful that the two German football ambassadors Jürgen Klopp and Horst Kriete have chosen South Africa, a country that loves football. It is a great pleasure for me to have a very small part in it and to be able to welcome so many football fans from both countries.”