Travelling to South Africa yesterday will have been a first for many of the Werder players, and a completely new experience, both on and off the pitch. “It feels good to be here”, says Niklas Moisander with a smile. Despite his vast international career and a wealth of experience, the Finn had never yet been to South Africa.
A lot has already been said about the sporting importance of the trip. “We’re not jet lagged and the conditions are brilliant. The Bundesliga is a big deal here, and it’s always nice to see fans all over the world. All that is very important”, says Moisander. Then there’s the cultural aspect to the tour in Africa. “We have the chance to get to learn the culture here, and I think that the experience will be an eye opener for one or two of the players”, says the Finn.
On Monday, the only free day in a tightly-packed schedule, the players can choose what they want to do. Moisander wants to visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. “It’s an important part of the country’s history, which I’d like to learn more about”, says the Finn, who is, in essence, interested “in how the world works.” For him, it’s important: “You must encourage yourself, further develop yourself as a person and not always think about just football.”
For captain Max Kruse, the tour to South Africa also offers the opportunity to broaden one’s horizons off of the training pitch. “I really like travelling and getting to experience foreign cultures. We haven’t had the chance to see much yet, but that will change,” said Kruse. South Africa has a lot more to offer yet.
