When did your internship at Young Bafana take place?
15 January 2026 – 20 March 2026.

In which department or area were you mainly involved?
My role was set up roughly 50/50. In the mornings I was involved in the developmental and operational side of the academy, helping out with all kinds of administrative tasks. The afternoons were dedicated to football, either coaching the youngsters or training and playing with the senior team myself.

How would you describe your experience during your time at Young Bafana?
From the very first day, the experience felt incredibly positive on every level. Everyone was open, kind, and welcoming, happy to chat and engage. There was no real hierarchy; everything simply flowed. Within the first week I was already coaching, playing, and engaging with other volunteers, and after only one or two days I knew the time ahead was going to be amazing. All in all, this was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long, long time, arguably unparalleled for me, and it is an experience I will carry with me for a lifetime.

What had the greatest impact on you personally while working with Young Bafana?
Two things struck me on a personal level. The first was the vulnerability of the surroundings, particularly for the children coming in from Lwandle Township to play football. It is a reality completely different from how I grew up in Germany, and one that is genuinely difficult to witness. At the same time, I have enormous respect for the effort these kids put in just to be in a safe environment and play the game. The second was the locals I worked and coached alongside: despite financial hardship, everyone was incredibly welcoming, open, and positive throughout my entire time there. That contrast with what I’m used to in Germany, where people tend to be wealthier but not necessarily warmer, is something I will carry with me for many years to come.

Looking back, how has your internship influenced you or your career path today?
It is not official yet, but the biggest lesson is that in Europe there really is no such thing as material risk. People in South Africa live under such different conditions that I find it hard to see meaningful risk in things like changing cities, changing jobs, or changing my hobbies. In my mind, the internship has opened up a few new corridors and given me extra flexibility in how I think about life in general, because in a privileged European environment the limits and the supposed risks are far smaller than they look. That is something incredibly valuable for the career to come.

What was your biggest learning or takeaway from your time in South Africa?
My biggest learning is that being happy, and allowing yourself to be happy, has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with the people around you and what you do throughout the day. It might sound like a platitude, something everyone says, but I have seen it up close. That deeply impressed me and will stick with me for a very long time. The other thing, less a new learning than a confirmation, is just how enormous the power of football is to bring people together and to serve as a foundational building block in the lives of so many people who have very little. Football really is one of the greatest things this earth has to offer.

When you think of Young Bafana today, what comes to mind?
What comes to mind is one of the happiest stretches of days I’ve had in a long time. Pure freedom. The weather was great, the days were filled with football, football, football, and the people around me lived and breathed the game. It was a chance to dive deep into a complex but incredibly warm and welcoming culture, with people who are extra kind precisely because they are born and raised with football. For me, it was the great freedom period in the middle of my sabbatical from work in Germany.

Are you still connected to Young Bafana?
Yes. I’m still in contact with one or two coaches who are currently with the academy, as well as a number of volunteers who were there during my time. I’m also lucky enough to be taking part in another charity cup with Young Bafana in the coming month, which will give me the chance to see people I came across in South Africa and meet some new faces from the Young Bafana universe.

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and spending an exciting time working in a sports marketing agency, I found myself at the beginning of 2023 looking for a change. Something meaningful that would challenge me personally while giving me the opportunity to explore new countries and meet new people. That’s when I came across Young Bafana e.V. and looking back, it turned out to be the best decision of my life.

Just a few weeks after my jobinterview, I was already on a plane to South Africa. A country I had never been to before. Traveling such a long way alone and suddenly living together with several people I didn’t know was a completely new experience for me, but one that proved incredibly valuable.

Although I had originally applied for a position in marketing, my time at Young Bafana quickly showed me how diverse the work really is. I was involved in creating social media content, organizing events, supporting administrative processes, and regularly had the chance to step onto the pitch as a coach. Visiting the nearby townships added another very special perspective and showed me a side of the country that I will never forget. This combination of office work, football, and social engagement made the experience uniquely varied and deeply meaningful.

What impressed me most was the energy and passion that everyone at Young Bafana brings to the project, from the founders and coaches to the players. It becomes clear right away that Young Bafana is about much more than just football: it’s about equal opportunity, education, nutrition, discipline, and community. As a passionate footballer myself, I was able to contribute my own experience while learning so much in return – professionally, personally, and culturally.

On a personal level, I took away an incredible amount from this time: the South African mindset, the gratitude of the children, life within a team, and the freedom to contribute my own ideas and drive projects forward. Between all the tasks, there was still plenty of time to explore Cape Town, the surrounding nature, and the country itself. A perfect mix of work, adventure and personal growth.

Even today, I look back on my time in South Africa with great joy and gratitude, and I’m always happy whenever I get the chance to attend events like the Young Bafana Charity Cup or the Telekom Starkick in person, staying connected to the organization and its spirit here in Germany as well.

When did your internship at Young Bafana take place?
December 2018 – March 2019

In which department or area were you mainly involved?
Coaching & Marketing

How would you describe your experience during your time at Young Bafana?
My experience at Young Bafana was incredibly enriching, both personally and professionally. I felt welcomed from the very first day and appreciated the strong sense of purpose that drove the organization. Working with the coaches, staff, and especially the kids gave me a meaningful insight into the positive impact sport can have on a community.

What had the greatest impact on you personally while working with Young Bafana?
The greatest impact came from seeing the passion and resilience of the children. Their enthusiasm—regardless of their circumstances—showed me how powerful encouragement, structure, and teamwork can be. It reminded me to value the small steps of progress and to stay grounded and grateful.

Looking back, how has your internship influenced you or your career path today?
The internship helped sharpen my sense of social responsibility and reinforced my desire to work in a field that creates positive change. It taught me to be flexible, solution-oriented, and culturally aware—skills that continue to influence my professional decisions and the way I collaborate with others. To be honest, Young Bafana was the reason why I started my own Academy in Germany.

What was your biggest learning or takeaway from your time in South Africa?
To appreciate the little things more often.

When you think of Young Bafana today, what comes to mind?
First of all family! I think of a motivated, warm-hearted community that believes in long-term development. Young Bafana represents hope, opportunity, and the idea that sports can be a vehicle for education, personal growth, and empowerment.

Are you still connected to Young Bafana in any way?
Yes, I try to help the academy as much as I can. I try to be part of new projects and achievements, and I continue to recommend Young Bafana to others who are interested in impactful volunteer or internship opportunities.

When did your internship at Young Bafana take place?
September – December 2018

In which department or area were you mainly involved?
Coaching & Social Media

How would you describe your experience during your time at Young Bafana?
I had an inspiring and sustainable time.

What had the greatest impact on you personally while working with Young Bafana?
The connection with the YB-Kids.

Looking back, how has your internship influenced you or your career path today?
That time shaped me and I often think back to it.

What was your biggest learning or takeaway from your time in South Africa?
Enjoy your life the best way possible.

When you think of Young Bafana today, what comes to mind?
Great development and achievements.

Are you still connected to Young Bafana in any way?
Yes, I’m still connected in different ways.

My adventure with Young Bafana began in September 2018 when, as part of my studies in Sports Management/Football Business, I decided to spend three months at an emerging football academy in South Africa.

Together with my study partner Fabian, we landed at Cape Town Airport at the end of September 2018. Back in 2012, I had already spent several months in Ghana, my father’s home country, where I came into contact with sports institutions, giving me an initial insight into the cultural and sporting structures in Africa.

At the interns’ house in Somerset West, we were warmly welcomed and introduced to our tasks. Fabian and I were assigned to the coaching program, where we were responsible for managing the U14 and U16 teams during their regular training and match schedules. Since we were both active football players ourselves, we quickly adapted to the challenges and had no difficulties adjusting, even though there were some situations we weren’t used to from our familiar environment.

After a few days of getting to know everyone, we already felt very comfortable and gradually took on additional responsibilities where we could contribute. One of my personal highlights was participating in a local championship match just a few hours after we landed.

We also gained interesting insights into social media and marketing for a growing football project in a part of the world where many things we take for granted require daily struggle and sacrifice.

The time I spent with the young players and the staff at YB has shaped me to this day. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and impressions I gained—things you would probably never encounter as a tourist. Friendships were formed, and I developed an inner motivation to support organizations that strive every day to improve children’s lives or simply guide them in the right direction. Experiencing so much joy for life despite the often inhumane conditions there is, for me, the greatest inspiration I will always carry in my heart.

Just before Christmas, my time at YB sadly came to an end. But after so many incredible experiences and connections, I returned home full of gratitude and invaluable lessons.

I have great respect for the work being done there to provide children and young people with opportunities and options that have the potential to positively change their entire lives.

Thank you, YB!

In which department or area were you mainly involved?
I mainly worked in Marketing.

How would you describe your experience during your time at Young Bafana?
The experience was challenging, eye-opening, funny, unforgettable, and motivating.

What had the greatest impact on you personally while working with Young Bafana?
What impacted me most were the people—they made the whole experience special.

Looking back, how has your internship influenced you or your career path today?
The internship still influences me today—I’m still involved with Young Bafana and it taught me to think more globally.

What was your biggest learning or takeaway from your time in South Africa?
My biggest takeaway from South Africa was to not take things for granted.

When you think of Young Bafana today, what comes to mind?
When I think of Young Bafana today, I think of dancing and good energy.

Are you still connected to Young Bafana in any way?
Yes, I’m still helping with partnership management and marketing content.