FC Augsburg Haberleri

FC Augsburg are using the special atmosphere at their training camp in South Africa as an opportunity to unveil their new away kit for the 2024/25 season together with their supplier Mizuno. The kit adopts the motto “Feels like home” and aims to help Jess Thorup’s side replicate their home form away from the WWK ARENA in the new season.

The players and coaching staff led several activities with the classes to the delight of the kids, with everyone involved enjoying themselves. While Steve Mounié and Felix Uduokhai performed dance routines, Arne Maier, Niklas Dorsch and Co. played some football with the kids.

Unfortunately, the Croatian pair of Kristijan Jakić and new signing Nediljko Labrović, whose entry to South Africa was refused, continued to be unable to join up with the squad. They had returned to Germany to clear up the issue with the relevant authorities, but since no new visa was issued on Monday and no short-term solution was found on Tuesday, FCA decided that the pair will not be making the journey to the training camp in South Africa. Instead, the two players will complete individual training programmes in co-ordination with first-team coaches and will get ready to rejoin team training upon the team’s return from South Africa.

FCA now have a second left-back in their squad with the signing of Dimitrios Giannoulis. The defender has won 27 caps so far for Greece, and has played 75 times in the English Championship, 18 games in the Premier League, four matches in the Europa League and six Champions League qualifiers.

The educational project for children and young people links the topics of water, sanitation and hygiene with football training drills. The German Football League (DFL) and local club TS Galaxy are also supporting the project. To kick off Football4WASH, FCA and Viva con Agua South Africa led the first workshop at Cyril Clarke Secondary School (Mbombela).

There were incredible sightings of elephants and buffalo, while a number of zebras also passed by, offering the team a true spectacle of nature. The Kruger National Park, which covers almost two million hectares, is the biggest wildlife reserve in South Africa and is among the most significant nature and wildlife reserves in the world.

Left-back Mads Pedersen opened the scoring just before half time with a left-footed effort into the corner after good work from Elvis Rexhbecaj (38’). Phillip Tietz made it 2-0 from a Masaya Okugawa assist (81’), before Young Africans hit back three minutes from time through Jean Baleke (87’).

After a short session working on stability, the FCA players trained for the first time in the afternoon at the grounds of the ANEW Resort White River. Lots of work had been carried out to get things ready for FC Augsburg’s team, with the club’s visual present on advertising boards around the pitch. Aside from Nediljko Labrović and Kristijan Jakić, who haven’t yet been able to travel to South Africa due to technical issues, all players were available.

“The last six months in Velje have been good for me. I’ve been able to get some minutes and show what I’m capable of at a good level. Another loan spell gives me the chance to build on that and to take further important steps in my career,” said Čolina, whose contract at FC Augsburg is still valid until 30th June 2027.

Members of the welcoming committee on Nelson Mandela International Day included the sports minister of the province of Mpumalanga, the mayor of Mbombela, employees of the tourism board, and Tim Sukazi, president of top-flight South African side, and hosts, TS Galaxy. The FCA players were surprised by a welcome ceremony at the airport, consisting of a lively dance and some loud drums.