October 19 – The Bundesliga has taken its Dream youth development program to Africa for the first time, hosting South Africa’s under-16 national team for a two-week training camp with FC Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld.
The Bundesliga Dream South Africa concluded on Monday and is the first major project to emerge from the memorandum of understanding signed between the German league and the South African Football Association earlier this year.
The squad spent a week at each club, combining training at academic level and friendly matches with sessions designed to give the players an insight into the demands of European football. Some of the younger members are preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.
“This initiative represents an important step in our commitment to youth development,” SAFA Technical Director Molefi Ntseki said.
“By partnering with one of the world’s leading soccer leagues, we are creating meaningful international pathways for our players to grow, compete and succeed on the global stage.”
The project is part of the Bundesliga’s wider effort to deepen its footprint in Africa.
Bundesliga Media has already extended its partnership with Amandla Safehub for a Youth Football Night League in Johannesburg, while RB Leipzig toured South Africa this year following Augsburg’s visit in 2024.
The league has also launched a Bundesliga League Pass in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, giving fans another direct route to watching matches on mobile devices.
Peer Naubert, Commercial Director of Bundesliga Media, said: “Bringing the Bundesliga dream to Africa for the first time is an important step in our long-term partnership with South African football.
“Together with SAFA and our clubs, we want to provide young players with valuable international experience, while building closer connections between South African football and Germany. This program is a tangible example of how we are developing our presence in Africa, through football development, local partnerships and stronger engagement with fans.”
The Bundesliga’s dream scheme has already played out across Asia.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at harry.ewing@insideworldfootball.com