Bundesliga steps up African presence ahead of Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax friendly

United Football Solutions managing director Sebastian Schachter says the Bundesliga’s growing involvement in Africa can benefit the entire competition ahead of Bayern Munich’s friendly against AFC Ajax in Kenya.

Kenya president Dr. William Ruto announced last week that the two European clubs will meet at the opening of Raila Odinga Stadium at the beginning of January.

Schachter believes Bayern Munich’s appearance in Nairobi underlines the league’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with supporters and football communities across the continent.

“For me it’s fantastic to see Bayern Munich play that opening match in Nairobi because Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I believe the whole league can win with Bayern’s presence in Africa,” he told SABC Sport.

The fixture will form part of a wider focus on the Bundesliga’s profile in Africa, with German clubs increasingly involved in grassroots and development work.

United Football Solutions delivers coaching, education programmes and development clinics in South Africa in partnership with German clubs including 1. FSV Mainz 05, Arminia Bielefeld, Eintracht Braunschweig and Werder Bremen.

Schachter said he was encouraged by the deliberate approach being taken by Bundesliga clubs to support football at grassroots level across the continent.

He also pointed to Harry Kane’s impact as an important example of the league’s ability to showcase elite talent. The Bayern Munich forward recently became the first Bundesliga player in three decades to win the Ballon D’or.

Kane’s performances for both Bayern Munich and England have earned Schachter’s praise, while the United Football Solutions managing director said the England captain had represented his club and the competition impressively both on and off the pitch.

“We all saw how good Kane has been for Bayern and for England and I believe he was 100% the right person to win the Ballon D’or because his performances have been absolutely outstanding,” said Schachter.

“He represents his club and the Bundesliga in the best possible way and it proves that the league can showcase and develop players to the highest possible level you can achieve individually.”

United Football Solutions is now preparing to broaden its work with its Bundesliga Club Partners. Schachter revealed that the organisation has an ambitious programme of further activations, clinics and initiatives in its pipeline.

Those activities are planned for the remainder of this year and throughout 2027, with the aim of expanding the reach and impact of its work in Africa.