Ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder Lance Davids to begin Bayern Munich internship

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lance Davids is set to undertake an internship at Bayern Munich as he continues his move from professional football into administration.

The 41-year-old’s placement, which has been under discussion for some time, is expected to take place during the current FIFA break. It will give Davids practical insight into the structures, decision-making processes and daily operations of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Davids retired from professional football more than a decade ago, making his final appearance for his hometown club Ajax Cape Town. He then returned to Belgium, where he is now based.

The former Lierse player currently leads football operations at an agency representing athletes. Alongside that work, he is preparing for a possible future as a Sporting Director.

The Bayern Munich internship is the latest stage in that process and reflects Davids’ intention to expand his knowledge before taking on a senior administrative position.

Davids has previously stressed that former players should earn opportunities in football administration rather than assume their playing careers automatically qualify them for senior roles. His decision to gain further education and experience appears to be guided by that principle.

There have also been local enquiries about Davids taking on positions connected to his ambitions. However, he previously believed that moving directly into a senior football administration role could have been premature without first developing the additional experience and qualifications needed to succeed.

The former Bafana international is studying as part of a broader course and is due to graduate next year. The Bayern placement forms part of that education, giving him exposure to the workings of a leading European club while he considers his longer-term career.

Davids’ playing career included representing Bafana Bafana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. More than a decade after leaving the professional game, he is now combining his experience as a former player with work in football operations.

The internship offers another step towards a potential Sporting Director role in the years ahead, as Davids continues to build the practical and academic foundation for a career in club management.