Lance Davids gains sporting director insight during Bayern Munich internship

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lance Davids says a two-week internship at Bayern Munich is helping shape his ambition to become a sporting director.

The 41-year-old, who was part of South Africa’s squad at the 2010 World Cup, is expanding his knowledge of football administration through a course that includes practical experience at clubs.

His placement with the German Bundesliga giants has given him an opportunity to observe the operations of one of Europe’s most successful clubs from inside.

Speaking to SABC Sport from Munich, Davids said the internship was the most significant assignment on his football director’s course.

“We have had many assignments to complete in this football director’s course, but the biggest assignment we were given was to go and complete an internship at a football club. I’m now learning at one of the best clubs in the world and the experience so far has been eye-opening.”

Davids said Bayern Munich’s size had not made the club’s structure difficult to understand. Instead, he found that its organisation was based on clearly defined responsibilities and close alignment between departments.

“Many people have misconceptions about this club just because of how big it is, but it is a club with structure and they are all aligned because everyone knows what they have to do.

“I’ve learned about the value of teamwork again and the importance of watching over coaches, scouts, and players.”

The former midfielder believes the experience is providing an important education away from the pitch as he works towards a future in sporting leadership.

Davids also raised the possibility that Bayern Munich and clubs in the PSL may differ in the extent to which they hold one another accountable, suggesting that this could be one of the factors separating the German club from teams in South Africa.