By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Maritzburg United have entered into a partnership with German Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld. The co-operation agreement between the clubs will allow them to exchange training knowledge and ideas pertaining to youth development.
It may also pave the way for up and coming stars from South Africa to get opportunities in Germany.
A number of former South African stars including Delron Buckley, Rowen Fernandez, Siyabonga Nkosi and Sibusiso Zuma all previously played for Bielefeld.
Current Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp who is currently in his fourth spell in charge of the Team of Choice also previously coached Bielefeld three times.
Maritzburg United Chairman Farook Kadodia is excited by the fact that his side are forming a partnership with an established German team.
“Bielefeld have a rich history in German football and this will create new opportunities for our club. The agreement will bring benefits to the club and the city of Pietermaritzburg. It presents a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, ideas and resources with an international club, demonstrating our commitment to drive our brand to the next level,” said Kadodia.
Chairman proudly announcing Mzansi’s??first partnership with a Bundesliga team Arminia Bielefeld @arminia_int @arminia ⚽ #WeareUnited #Teamofchoice pic.twitter.com/W8AXRQzBDS
— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) January 25, 2022
Meanwhile United have confirmed the arrival of five new signings as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the DStv Premiership season and move away from the relegation mix.
Tawanda Macheke, Genino Palace, Lucky Baloyi, Steven Pereira and Friday Samu all join the club in the January transfer window.
Zimbabwean forward Macheke was previously with Black Rhinos in his homeland, and he is joined by another striker in Zambian Samu, who was played for Green Buffaloes.
South African attacking midfielder Palace has spent some time in Portugal and was last with Académica De Coimbra, while Cape Verde international right-back Pereira was in the same country at UD Oliveirense, but has also played in the Netherlands and Bulgaria.
Finally, former Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Baloyi will add some steel to the centre of the park.
“I am so excited to have joined Maritzburg United and everyone at the club have been so welcoming and supportive towards me ever since I arrived,” Baloyi says.
“I’ll do my best to contribute to the team and help us achieve our goals for the remainder of the season. I am looking forward to using this opportunity to help the club in any possible way. It feels great to be here.”
The quintet will be line to make their debuts when Maritzburg host SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup early next month.