Arminia Bielefeld launches major football initiative in South Africa!
Arminia Bielefeld will start a football partnership in South Africa on November 7th, 2025 to promote local talent and strengthen cultural exchange.

Arminia Bielefeld launches major football initiative in South Africa!
In an exciting move to promote football in South Africa, DSC Arminia Bielefeld has announced a new collaboration with the Bolobathaba Sports Academy in Johannesburg. This initiative is part of the club's long-term strategy, which aims to professionalize grassroots football in the region. Arminia Bielefeld not only wants to expand its international presence, but also make significant contributions to the development of local football talent.
The partnership with the Bolobathaba Sports Academy is part of a comprehensive African development program that the club has launched. This program includes numerous measures, from trainer training to structured youth development opportunities. Nico Luft, Director of Sales at DSC, highlights that the vision is to create sustainable football ecosystems that create a positive social impact.
A crucial turning point
Samuel Manyama, CEO of Bolobathaba Sports Academy, describes the partnership as a crucial turning point for international exposure and the training of young players. Through the collaboration, the academy gains access to team trips to Germany and offers to support local coaches. “It’s about developing future-oriented talent and bringing about positive social change through sport,” explains Manyama.
The Bolobathaba Sports Academy plays a central role in promoting grassroots football, offering not only high-quality training but also mentoring for young athletes. This creates a basis on which the next generation of footballers can build. Similar initiatives show how internationalized partnerships from Germany can help strengthen football in Africa.
Migration issues in football
The migration of football players from Africa to European leagues is an issue of growing importance. According to recent reports, there are over 1,400 African players active in Europe's top leagues, with the likes of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah inspiring many up-and-coming talents. Players from many African countries occupy a significant place in the international football landscape. Since the 1960s, Germany has established itself as an attractive destination for African players, where they continue to provide new impetus.
A stable basis for football in Africa can only be achieved through local development and support. Against this background, Arminia Bielefeld's initiative appears to be groundbreaking. The club's goal is not only to promote football as a sport, but also to build cultural bridges and unite communities through sport.
Overall, the collaboration shows that Arminia Bielefeld is more than just a football club. With the support of the Bolobathaba Sports Academy, a long-term and sustainable approach is being pursued to give young talents a perspective and to further ignite the passion for football in Africa. It remains to be hoped that this partnership will bear fruit and bring about positive developments for both the club and the region in South Africa.
For more information about DSC Arminia Bielefeld's initiatives, please visit the official website: Arminia Bielefeld. Further background information on the history of the club can be found here Wikipedia, and you can find out more about migration issues in football here bpb.