AS part of their South African programme to enhance and promote Bundesliga locally, iconic Africa football star, Jay-Jay Okocha, visited several locally-based soccer hubs in Johannesburg.
Okocha, well known for the memorable goal he scored for his team, Eintracht Frankfurt in 1993, against Karlsruher SC beating legendary goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, to the posts. He came on as a second-half substitute, picked up the ball, dribbled it from one side to another a few times, past the entire defence, including Kahn, before slotting it in for a 3-1 lead. The goal was subsequently voted by a number of football magazines as the goal of the season.
The StarSat and Bundesliga Legends tour of South Africa took place from November 8 to 11.
“I am very honoured to be here not only to promote one of the most exciting leagues, The Bundesliga, in the world but also to inspire youngsters that make use of the Safe-Hubs locally in Johannesburg,” said Okocha, who is a former Nigerian player and one of the greatest players of his generation.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk
He is also Olympic gold medallists and African Cup of Nations, AFCON, winner. He played some 18 years in the Bundesliga for his club, Eintract Frankfurt, scored 18 goals during 90 appearances.
The former Bundesliga star promotes the league and interacts with South African football fans.
During his trip, he will visit the Amandla Safe-Hub in Diepsloot, a project which has recently agreed to a long-term strategic partnership with Germany’s Bundesliga. Working together with the international social enterprise AMANDLA, the Bundesliga will support the Safe-Hub in Diepsloot, a holistic, football-based education centre.
On Saturday, Okocha attended a Fan Fest at Balfour Mall in Johannesburg.
Okocha joins the ‘Bundesliga Legends’ as a global Bundesliga Brand Ambassador. Speaking about this, Okocha said, “I am very proud to represent the Bundesliga and help show fans ‘Football As It’s Meant To Be’. With the highest number of goals in any European top-flight league, packed stadiums providing electric atmospheres and many of the world’s greatest players and rising stars producing world-class football every week, it’s not difficult to see why so many African fans love the Bundesliga.”
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk
John Yan, CEO of StarSat said, “We are very excited to be bringing Jay-Jay Okocha, a legendary African and Bundesliga star, to South Africa. This event will provide a fantastic opportunity for fans to enjoy some of the best football in the world, live, with a player who provided so much excitement through his tantalising skill over the years.”
“As the Bundesliga’s official broadcaster in South Africa, StarSat will continue to offer the best matches from the league, with FC Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund and the other clubs featuring on our sports channels over the coming days.”
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