Bundesliga side FC Augsburg embarks on SA tour with eye on talent

Bundesliga side FC Augsburg are in SA for a two-match tour, aiming to fine-tune their pre-season preparations while also scouting for potential new talent.

The German club, led by coach Jess Thorup, views this trip as a valuable opportunity for both development and discovery.

Thorup, who had been aware of this opportunity for several months, emphasised the importance of optimal training conditions for his team. He expressed his satisfaction with the facilities provided in Mpumalanga, highlighting the quality of the pitches and accommodations.

Beyond the on-field preparations, the Danish mentor sees this tour as a chance for his team to grow, learn about South African culture, and gain valuable experiences. He expressed excitement about facing South African opponents TS Galaxy and Young Africans of Tanzania, eager to assess the local talent and their impact on the game.

Interestingly, FC Augsburg has brought along their Chief Scout for this tour, signalling their intent to actively seek out promising players. Thorup confirmed their interest in strengthening their squad and acknowledged the potential for discovering hidden gems in South Africa.

WHAT FC AUGSBURG COACH JESS THORUP SAID

“We actually brought our Chief Scout with us on this tour,” Thorup stated. “Because, of course, we’re interested to build our own team as strong as possible but when we’re here, when we play in such a tournament, when we play the other team, if there is anything exciting going on [we will see].

“For me it’s also a new experience to play against a South African team to see what kind of players, what kind of impact they can do in the games.”

The club’s first match against Yanga SC is scheduled for Saturday, July 20th, at Mbombela Stadium, offering a live broadcast on SABC. Their second match against TS Galaxy is set for July 27th.

This tour marks a significant moment for both FC Augsburg and South African football. For Augsburg, it’s a chance to bolster their squad with fresh talent. For Galaxy’s players, it’s an opportunity to shine on an international stage and potentially secure a move to Europe.

Thorup aptly concluded: “So let us play the two games and let us see what happens.”

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